For Immediate Release: March 25, 2017
Game 66 (Road Game 33)
Vs. Ft. Wayne Komets (38-17-6-2, 84pts)
Saturday, March 25, 2017 - 7:30pm ET
War Memorial Coliseum - Ft. Wayne, IN
Overview: The Cyclones continue to roll and are coming off of a three-game sweep over the Alaska Aces last week. Cincinnati has won seven of their last eight games, and are currently in fourth place in the ECHL’s South Division, just one point back of Orlando for third, and one up on South Carolina who is in fifth.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (35-26-4-0) collected a 4-3 shootout decision over the Alaska Aces on Saturday night. Forwards Shawn O’Donnell and Dominic Zombo along with defenseman Eric Knodel scored the goals in regulation, while forward Nick Huard tallied the shootout winner for the Cyclones. The Cyclones were outshot, 33-30 on the night, with goaltender Mark Visentin stopping 30 in the win.
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (34-26-4-0) earned a 2-1 win over the Alaska Aces on Friday night. Forward Shane Walsh and defenseman Martin Lefebvre netted the goals for Cincinnati, who are 11-3-0-0 in their last 14 games. Cincinnati was outshot, 32-20 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 29 in the win.
Last 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.
Previewing Ft. Wayne: The Komets are 5-3-0-0 in the month of March, and have already secured a playoff spot in the ECHL’s Central Division. They boast one of the best home records in the League, posting a mark of 25-5-0-1 and outscoring the opposition 122-74 on home ice. Offensively, Ft. Wayne ranks fifth in the ECHL with an average of 3.67 goals per game, and are led by rookie forward Mike Cazzola who is third in the League with 65 points (24g, 41a). He is followed by forwards Kyle Thomas (25g, 37a) and Shawn Szydlowski (22g, 38a) who round out the top three. In goal, Pat Nagle has posted an 11-2-2-2 record, along with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.
Inside the Series: his will be the second-to-last meeting of the season between Cincinnati and Ft. Wayne, with each side winning three of the first six games in the season series. The Two teams wrap up their eight-game season series next Friday in Cincinnati.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones return home for the final three games of the season beginning Wednesday against the Brampton Beast, which will be the first all-time meeting between the two clubs.
NEED-TO-KNOW
Cyclones Unveil Playoff Packages: The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced ticket packages for the upcoming 2017 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. Cyclones playoff packages start at $288 per seat for the general public, and include all 16 potential playoff games. Current 36-game full-season ticket holders already have games one and two of the 2017 playoffs included in their season ticket packages, therefore 14-game plans are available starting at $252 per seat. Single game tickets will be announced once the Cyclones officially clinch a spot in the 2017 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
Climbing the Ladder: The Cyclones have won 12 of their last 15 games, and are 17-5-0-0 in their last 22 games overall. Cincinnati is currently in fourth place in the ECHL’s South Division, just one point back of Orlando for third, and one up on South Carolina who is in fifth. The offense has been on display for Cincinnati over the last 22 games, totaling 63 goals and outscoring the opposition 55-30 in their 17 wins.
Welcome back: Defenseman Eric Knodel is on a three game point streak (2g, 2a), and has accounted for two goals and four assists since returning from injury on February 28.
From Simmer to a Full Boil!: Forward Jordan Sims has points in nine of his last 10 games, totaling three goals and eight assists in that time. Overall, Sims has seven goals and 22 assists in his last 23 games.
Streaky Behavior: Forward Nick Huard is currently riding a five-game point streak, accounting for a pair of goals and five assists in that time. Huard is tied for the team lead with 44 points (15g, 29a), and has multi-point efforts in two of his last five games.
Leading By Example: Forward Shawn O’Donnell has points in nine of his last 11 game, accounting for six goals and 11 assists in that time. Last weekend in Idaho, O’Donnell registered six points (3g, 3a), and has multi-point outings in three of his last five games.
Milestone for Mac: Cincinnati Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald collected his one-hundredth career victory, following a 2-1 win over the Alaska Aces last 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.
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!
