For Immediate Release: February 14, 2016
MELE PLAYS HERO AS CYCLONES WIN FOURTH STRAIGHT
Cincinnati Overcomes Two-Goal Third Period Deficit
Evansville, IN- The Cincinnati Cyclones (25-19-3-2) picked up a 4-3 overtime win over the Evansville IceMen on Sunday evening. Forwards Nick Huard, Zach Budish and Peter Quenneville scored the goals in regulation, while forward Tommy Mele recorded the game winner in overtime for the Cyclones.
After the IceMen took a 1-0 lead after the first, on a late period goal from forward Alex Wideman, the Cyclones evened the game up early in the second on the power play, when forward Jack Downing sent a pass to Huard in the high slot, and he rifled a shot past IceMen goaltender Christoffer Bengtsberg, tying the game, 1-1, 5:01 into the second.
Evansville took back the momentum shortly thereafter, receiving goals from forwards Jordan Sims and Daultan Leveille later in the frame, and the IceMen took a 3-1 lead into the locker room after two periods.
The Cyclones came out firing in the third, and 11:15 into the frame, Cincinnati cut the deficit to a single goal, when a shot from defenseman Garrett Noonan deflected off of the face of Huard, and the puck bounced to Budish who lit the lamp, bringing the score to 3-2, on the second power play marker of the night.
Just 38 seconds later, Cincinnati tied the game when Quenneville stole the puck in the offensive zone and wristed a shot past Bengtsberg, pulling the Cyclones even with the IceMen, 3-3.
The 3-3 score held up throughout the remainder of regulation, and two sides headed to overtime. In the extra session, the Cyclones earned their eighth come-from-behind win of the season with 6.7 seconds left, when a shot from Noonan hit traffic out front, and Mele was there to bury the loose puck, sending Cincinnati to a 4-3 overtime win.
The Cyclones outshot Evansville, 45-37 on the night, including a combined 23-9 in the third period and overtime. Cyclones netminder Andy Iles stopped 34 shots he faced, while the power play converted on two of three chances. The Cyclones head back out on the road on Friday, when they take on the Quad City Mallards. Faceoff is scheduled for 8:05pm ET.
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!
