A Place That Feels Like Home: Justin Vaive’s Veteran Impact In Cincinnati

For Justin Vaive, Cincinnati has become more than just another stop in a long professional hockey career. Over time, it’s grown into something far deeper — a place tied not only to the game, but to family, stability, and life beyond the rink. “It’s just kind of got a special place in my heart now,” Vaive said. “My wife’s from there, we have a house there, just had our first child there. I’m a lot more than just hockey, but the fans and everything about it have made it feel like home.”

That sense of belonging carries weight for a player in his 16th professional season. In a league defined by turnover and opportunity, Vaive’s longevity stands out. His value to the Cincinnati Cyclones extends far beyond what shows up during a shift — it’s rooted in experience, perspective, and a willingness to support those still learning the demands of the professional game. “I’m just a resource, that’s the way I look at it,” Vaive explained. “I’m always there to answer questions, point things out — and honestly, not even hockey related all the time. A lot of these guys have never lived on their own or without billet parents, so just being somebody to help out and let them know whatever they need, I’ll be there.”

- Photo Credit: Kristin Shaffer/Olde City Sports Network

That mentorship role has become increasingly important as the league continues to evolve. Vaive has seen the ECHL change dramatically since his early years, both in pace and in personnel. “The speed has amplified a lot since my first year,” he said. “With the newer rules and less clutching and grabbing, speed has become really important. You also see younger guys coming out, going up quickly, and never seeing this league again. In my first couple of years, teams had a lot more veterans. Now it’s rare to see a team with four veterans.”

Even as the league has changed, Vaive has adapted — something he believes is essential to sustaining a long career. “Every year is another learning step,” he said. “Even in year 16, I’m still learning things. Recovery slows down as you get older, so you’ve got to find new ways to be effective and help the team win. That’s my focus.”

That adaptability has shown not just in how Vaive prepares physically, but in how his role has evolved emotionally and mentally over the years. “My first five to ten years, I was a lot more high-strung and abrasive,” he said. “Getting into altercations, stirring things up — that was the role I needed to play. Now it’s calmed down a lot. I try to be that calming presence, that rock on the bench when things go too high or too low, and bring guys back in.”

The perspective that allows Vaive to fill that role was shaped long before his professional career began. Hockey was part of his life from the start, growing up around the rink with a father who both played and coached at a high level. “My dad played for 14 or 15 years and then coached for 10,” Vaive said. “Growing up at the rink, going on road trips, being around practices and pregame skates — from a young age, I just fell in love with the game. Then we moved back to Canada, where hockey is such a big deal, and that’s something I wanted to do.”

Now, that lifelong journey has come full circle. One of Vaive’s most meaningful moments this season had nothing to do with wins or losses. “About two weeks ago, my daughter was able to come to my first game,” he said. “Seeing her on the glass — going from being a 21-year-old playing pro hockey to now having my wife and daughter there watching — that’s something I’ll remember forever. Along the way, championships and great groups kind of blend together, but that one stands out.”

Moments like that offer clarity during the grind of a demanding schedule. Long travel days, early mornings, and compressed stretches test even the most seasoned players. “I’m sitting here after getting in at 7:00 a.m., in the middle of a four-in-five,” Vaive said. “It takes a toll on your mind. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing I’d rather be doing than playing hockey — the sport I love and chose to continue to do. A lot of people would kill to do this. It’s about keeping that mindset and having fun.”

- Photo Credit: Kristin Shaffer/Olde City Sports Network

When Vaive reflects on what he’s most proud of, it’s not a single season or stat line — it’s the ability to sustain a career while building a life alongside it. “The easy answer is playing 16 years of pro hockey,” he said. “Seeing guys reach 1,000 games is such a cool feat because you know how hard it is. For me, it’s continuing to do this while raising a young family, getting married, and having my first child.”

As the Cyclones push through the heart of the season, Vaive remains a steady presence — a veteran shaped by experience, grounded by family, and driven by a genuine love for the game. In a league that never stops moving, that kind of constancy is rare — and invaluable. Vaive has dressed in 41 games this season for the Cyclones and has tallied nine goals and seven assists.

- Samantha Wismer/Olde City Sports Network

- Photo Credit: Kristin Shaffer/Olde City Sports Network