For Immediate Release: February 12, 2016
Vs. Ft. Wayne Komets (27-14-3-0, 57 PTS)
Friday, February 12, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones continue their homestand on Friday night when they welcome in the Ft. Wayne Komets into U.S. Bank Arena. Cincinnati is coming off of a 4-1 win over the Kalamazoo Wings on Wednesday night, and now sit in sole possession of third place in the ECHL’s Midwest Division, one point back of the Indy Fuel for second.
Wednesday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (22-19-3-2) earned a 4-1 win over the Kalamazoo Wings on Wednesday night. Forward Zach Budish collected a pair of goals, while defensemen Andrew Blazek and Garrett Noonan each added lone tallies for the Cyclones. . The Cyclones outshot the Wings, 34-23 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 22 to collect his fifth win as a Cyclone.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (21-19-3-1) fell to the Indy Fuel, 2-1, on Saturday night. Forward Andrew Yogan scored the lone goal for the Cyclones. Cincinnati outshot the Fuel, 30-28, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 26 in the loss.
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (21-18-3-2) defeated the Indy Fuel, 4-3, on Friday night. Forward Andrew Yogan tallied a pair of goals, while forwards Jack Downing and Peter Quenneville each added lone markers. Cincinnati was outshot, 35-17 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 32 to collect the win.
Previewing Ft. Wayne: The Division-leading Komets head into Cincinnati having won three of their last four games, outscoring their opposition, 16-8, in that stretch. They are currently eight points up on the Cyclones for first in the Division, and hold down the second spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They are led by former Cyclone Mike Embach, who has accounted for 49 points (22g, 27a) in 44 games this season, with six of his goals and three assists coming against Cincinnati. He is followed by forwards Shawn Szydlowski (14g, 32a), and Brett Perlini (14g, 16a), who round out the top three.
Inside the Series: Friday is the eighth-of-nine meetings on the season between the Cyclones and Komets, with Cincinnati posting a 4-3-1-0 record in the first seven games. The Cyclones dropped a 4-1 decision to the Komets back on January 29 in Ft. Wayne, however, the Cyclones won their last home meeting between the two sides back on January 23 (W, 6-4).
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones wrap up their three-game homestand on Saturday night against the Evansville IceMen. Friday marks the first of a home-and-home between the Cyclones and IceMen, with Evansville taking the last meeting back on December 26, by a score of 4-2.
Cyclones Acquire Binkley: The Cincinnati Cyclones (22-19-3-2) have announced the acquisition of defenseman Jason Binkley from the Utah Grizzlies, in exchange for future considerations. Binkley appeared in 43 games with the Grizzlies this season, accounting for a goal and six assists, along with 19 penalty minutes. Currently in his second professional season, the 5’9”, 196-pound defenseman spent seven games with the South Carolina Stingrays at the end of last season, totaling a goal and an assist. A native of Powell, OH, Binkley was a four-year letter winner at Ferris State University, appearing in 156 games for the Bulldogs, while potting eight goals and 60 assists, from 2011-2015. He helped lead Ferris State to a Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Regular Season Championship during his freshman season of 2011-12, and he also helped guide the Bulldogs to a berth in the 2012 NCAA National Championship Game. That season, Binkley was also teammates with current Cyclones defenseman Brett Wysopal.
Big Night For Budish: Forward Zach Budish had a pair of goals and two assists in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over the Kalamazoo Wings, setting a season-high for points in a game. It marked his 10th multi-point effort of the season, and snapped a three-game point drought.
Blazing a Trail: Defenseman Andrew Blazek recorded a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over the Kalamazoo Wings, marking the first multi-point game of his career. The goal marked his first as a Cyclone, and his assist in the first period marked his first point of the season.
And Down the Stretch They Come!: Wednesday’s 4-1 win over the Kalamazoo Wings marked the 17th time this season that Cincinnati has won a game when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are 17-1-0-0 when leading heading into the third period, and are outscoring their opposition, 50-41, in the third period this season.
Taking the Lead: With a goal in last Friday night’s 4-3 win over the Indy Fuel, forward Jack Downing is now tied for the League-lead with 22 goals. Downing has been amongst the top scorers on the Cyclones all season long, tallying points in five of his last eight games (4g, 1a), and his goal Friday night also marked his 150th point of his pro hockey career.
Familiar Foes: The Cyclones are preparing for a lot of games in division over the last half of the season. With 26 games remaining on the regular season schedule, Cincinnati will be playing 19 of those against Midwest Division foes (Evansville, Ft. Wayne, Indy, Quad City). The Cyclones have compiled a 10-9-1-1 record against divisional opponents this season.
The 2015-2016 season is underway! Your Cyclones are on the march towards another Kelly Cup Championship, and want you along for the ride! Be sure to check out one of our 2015-16 Ticket Packages, available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Instagram, and our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
