For Immediate Release: March 21, 2016
CYCLONES WEEKLY RELEASE- WEEK 23
Week 23: March 21 – March 27
LAST WEEK RECAP:
Sunday Evening Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (33-22-4-4) fell to the Evansville IceMen, 6-5 in a shootout, on Sunday evening. Defenseman Brett Wysopal, and forwards Tommy Mele, Christiaan Minella, Colin Mulvey and Jack Downing scored the goals for the Cyclones, who have now gone to overtime or a shootout in three straight games. The Cyclones outshot Evansville, 41-34 on the night, while the power play converted on 50% of its chances.
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (33-22-4-3) picked up a 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night. Forwards Peter Quenneville and Joe Wilson scored the lone goals in regulation, while forward Branden Gracel netted the game-winner in overtime. The Cyclones outshot the Nailers, 33-30 on the night, with goaltender Brad Thiessen stopping 29 to collect the win.
Thursday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (32-22-4-3) fell to the Wheeling Nailers, 2-1 in overtime, on Thursday night. Forward Jack Downing scored the lone goal for the Cyclones. The Cyclones were outshot, 31-22 on the night, with goaltender Brad Thiessen turning stopping 29 in the loss.
Where the Cyclones Stand:
The Cyclones currently hold down the second spot in the ECHL’s Midwest Division with 74 points, four points back of the Ft. Wayne Komets in first. Cincinnati is in fifth in the Western Conference playoff picture, one point up on the Utah Grizzlies who are in sixth, and five back of the Allen Americans in fourth.
Follow the links for the FULL STANDINGS!
Upcoming Schedule:
Thursday, March 24: AT Indy- 7:05pm ET
Friday, March 25: AT Indy- 7:35pm ET
Saturday, March 26: AT Toledo- 7:15pm ET
News and Notes:
Piling up the Points: The Cyclones have been on of the ECHL’s hottest teams in the last two months, posting an 18-8-1-2 record in the last 29 games. Cincinnati has points in 11 of the last 13 games, and has outscored the opposition, 46-28 over the last 29 contests.
Playing Hero: Forward Branden Gracel scored the game-winner in Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night. He is now tied with forward Nick Huard for the team-lead in game-winning goals at five. He currently ranks eighth on the Cyclones in scoring with 33 points (13g, 20a), and Friday’s goal snapped an eight-game goal drought.
Downing Takes the Lead: With the lone goal in Friday night’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Wheeling Nailers, forward Jack Downing took over ECHL goal scoring lead with his 28th of the season. He then tacked on his 29th of the year in Sunday’s 6-5 shootout loss to the Evansville IceMen. Downing leads the Cyclones and ranks eighth in League scoring with 56 points through 62 games (29g, 27a). He has had a good first half of March, totaling a three goals and seven assists through the first eight games of the month.
Continued Production: Forward Tommy Mele has been one of Cincinnati’s top offensive producers over the last two months, accounting for 11 goals and nine assists since joining the Cyclones in mid-January. The Bronx, NY, native has points in 11 of his last 13 games, totaling 12 points (6g, 6a) in that span.
