RoughRiders' Cianfrone returns home to Canada

CEDAR RAPIDS - Forward Bryson Cianfrone has left the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders to join the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League in Canada.

A Stoney Creek, Ontario, resident, Cianfrone scored six goals and had 15 assists in 52 games last season for the Riders. He was a University of Michigan commit but will relinquish his college hockey eligibility by playing major junior in Canada.

Cianfrone's OHL rights were traded over the weekend from the Brampton Battalion to Mississauga.

“I am really glad to be joining the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL," Cianfrone said in a press release from the Steelheads. "I think it is a great opportunity and cannot wait to start with the coaching staff."

“We are happy that Bryson has decided to further his development with the Steelheads and the OHL," said Mississauga Coach/General Manager James Boyd. "Bryson brings speed, skill and smarts to our team."

Cianfrone's exit is believed to leave 26 players in RoughRiders' preseason camp, with the need to reach 23 players by the start of the regular season in two weeks. Cedar Rapids has gone 1-1 thus far at the USHL Fall Classic East version, with a one-goal loss to Muskegon and overtime win Sunday over Green Bay.