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by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News Excitement, with a touch of bitter-sweetness, is how longtime Kansas City Mavericks associate coach Riley Weselowski describes becoming the new head coach of the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones. Weselwoski, who has been on coach Tad O'Had's staff the past four years, visited his office inside Cable Dahmer Arena early Friday to say his goodbyes and pack his gear for the move to Cincinnati. “This is one of the most exciting times in my career,” said Weselowski, who played for the Cyclones in 2015-2016. “It's a dream job for me, returning to Cincinnati for my first head coaching job, but it's also bittersweet. Being on the staff with (head coach and general manager) Tad (O'Had) help start my journey to be a head coach. “I owe Tad and the Mavericks so much. I will always love Kansas City and take pride in the success we've had over the past two seasons. That success played a key role in Cincinnati offering me this job.” Weselowski’s hire comes more than a month after the team parted ways with former head coach Jason Payne and assistant coach Chad MacLeod. “We are very excited to introduce Riley as the next head coach of the Cyclones,” Cyclones owner and president Ray Harris said in a press release from the team. “His experience and enthusiasm for fostering a winning culture speaks volumes about his leadership. We are confident that Riley is the right man to help guide our hockey club back to its winning ways that we expect.” Weselowski, 40, played in more than 700 professional hockey games across 13 seasons, including that brief stint with Cincinnati in 2015-16. Over the course of his career, Weselowski scored 25 goals, recorded 90 assists and was given the 2012 CHL Top Defenseman Award. While O'Had will miss his right-hand man, he is thrilled for Weselowski's opportunity to be a head coach. "Riley has been a tremendous asset to the Mavericks," O'Had said. "His impact has been integral to our success - from capturing the Brabham Cup to reaching two Western Conference Finals and making a Kelly Cup Finals appearance. His dedication, character, and work ethic have helped elevate this organization in every way." “We are excited for Riley as he embarks on a new opportunity with the Cincinnati Cyclones and wish him and the organization nothing but success. Riley is not only a respected colleague but also a friend. “As part of the ECHL, we take pride in developing players, coaches, and staff for the next level, and Riley’s advancement is a reflection of that mission. “We thank Riley for all he has done to help make the Mavericks great and for playing a key role in our continued growth. We also extend our best wishes to his wife Kelly, and sons Collin and Corbin, as they take this next step in their journey.” Along with preparing for his new coaching role, Weselowski and his wife have to sell their home in Eastern Jackson County and tell their children about the move. “Since I played in Cincinnati, I'm familiar with the area and finding a new home shouldn't be that difficult,” Weselowski said. “Our oldest son has grown up here and our youngest son was born here. “While I have great memories of working with Tad and the team, we have great memories of watching our oldest son grow up in Kansas City, having our youngest born here and making so many friends in the area. “Things have been so busy that I haven't really taken the time to reflect on the last four years, but I am beyond grateful to have spent time with the team and my family in Kansas City.”
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