For Immediate Release: March 17, 2017
Game 64 (Road Game 31)
Vs. Alaska Aces (30-22-3-6, 69pts)
Friday, March 17, 2017 - 11:15pm ET
Sullivan Arena - Anchorage, AK
Overview: The Cyclones took game one of their three-game series this week on Wednesday from the Alaska Aces, and are 10-3-0-0 in their last 13 games. Cincinnati has jumped into third place in the ECHL’s South Division, just five points behind the Greenville Swamp Rabbits for second place.
Wednesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (33-26-4-0) earned a 2-1 win over the Alaska Aces on Wednesday night. Forward Seth Ambroz and defenseman Eric Knodel tallied the goals for the Cyclones, who secure the 100th ECHL coaching victory for Head Coach Matt Macdonald. The Cyclones outshot the Aces, 29-28, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 27 in the win.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (32-26-4-0) fell to the Idaho Steelheads, 5-3, on Saturday night. Forwards Shawn O’Donnell, Nick Huard, and Jordan Sims tallied the goals for the Cyclones. Idaho outshot the Cyclones, 37-35 on the night, with goaltender Joel Rumpel stopping 32 in the loss.
Last Friday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (32-25-4-0) picked up a 5-2 win over the Idaho Steelheads on Friday night. Forward Shawn O’Donnell tallied a pair of goals, while forwards Nick Huard, Brandon McNally, and Shane Walsh potted lone markers for the Cyclones, who have now won nine of their last 11 games. The Cyclones were outshot, 35-21 on the night, with goaltender Joel Rumpel stopping 33 to collect his fourth-straight win.
Previewing Alaska: The Aces enter Friday 4-4-1-0 in their last nine, and like Cincinnati are in a battle for playoff positioning. They currently sit in fourth in the Mountain Division, just four points ahead of Utah and eight back of Idaho for third. They are led offensively by forward Stephen Perfetto who has accounted for 64 points (27g, 37a) in 48 games played. He is followed by forwards Peter Sivak (32g, 27a), and Tim Coffman (26g, 32a) who round out the top three. In goal, Kevin Carr leads the way with a 16-16-2-2 record, along with a 3.08 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage in 38 games played.
Inside the Series: Friday will be the second a three-game series this week between the Cyclones and Aces, and the first trip to Alaska for Cincinnati since the 2014 Kelly Cup Final. The two teams met once last season in Cincinnati, with the Cyclones taking a 3-1 decision on November 17.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones wrap up their three-game season series on Saturday night at 11:15pm ET.
NEED-TO-KNOW
Milestone for Mac: Cincinnati Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald collected his one-hundredth career victory, following a 2-1 win over the Alaska Aces on Wednesday night. The third-year head coach has compiled a career record of 100-83-11-13. After narrowly missing the playoffs in his first season behind the bench, Macdonald’s second season saw a 36-27-5-4 record that featured an amazing run down the stretch to help Cincinnati capture the seventh seed. The Cyclones ultimately fell to the Ft. Wayne Komets in a thrilling first round series 4 games to 3. The Niagara Falls, ON, native also served as an assistant coach for the Cyclones for two seasons upon his retirement from playing in 2012. He helped lead the Cyclones to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2012-13 and 2013-14, and a trip to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2014 where the ‘Clones fell to the Alaska Aces 4 games to 2.
Climbing the Ladder: The Cyclones have won 10 of their last 13 games, and are 15-5-0-0 in their last 20 games overall. Cincinnati currently holds the third position in the ECHL’s South Division, and are only five points back of third. The offense has been on display for Cincinnati over the last 19 games, totaling 58 goals and outscoring the opposition 50-26 in their 15 wins.
From Simmer to a Full Boil!: Forward Jordan Sims has points in seven of his last eight games, totaling three goals and six assists in that time. Overall, Sims has seven goals and 20 assists in his last 21 games, and has the team scoring lead with 14 goals and 28 assists.
Leading By Example: Forward Shawn O’Donnell netted a pair of goals and an assist in Friday’s 5-2 win over the Idaho Steelheads, and followed that up with a goal and a pair of helpers in Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Steelheads. He has tallied five goals and eight assists over his last eight games, with four goals and five assists in the last six.
Holding the Lead: The Cyclones enter Saturday with a 22-1-3-0 record when leading after one period, and a 25-1-2-0 mark when ahead after 40 minutes.
Defensive Front: The Cyclones currently boast one of the top defenses in the ECHL, as they currently rank fourth in goals allowed per game with 2.89.
Power Surge: The Cyclones power play has played a major role recently, having converted on 17 of their last 71 man-advantage opportunities over the last 11 games (23.9%).
Stay Connected!: Follow the latest news on Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more! Also, for all of the latest news and notes, head over to www.cycloneshockey.com.
The 2016-17 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want you along for the ride as they march towards another Kelly Cup Championship! 2016-17 single game tickets and packages along with group and Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call (513) 421-PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
