For Immediate Release: March 29, 2017
Game 67 (Home Game 34)
Vs. Brampton Beast (36-22-3-5, 80pts)
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones fell in Ft. Wayne on Saturday, 1-0, and are now in fifth place in the South Division just two points shy of South Carolina in fourth, however they are only five points back of Greenville for second place. Cincinnati begins a stretch of three-straight at home tonight, and only six games remain in the regular season.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (34-27-4-0) fell to the Ft. Wayne Komets, 1-0, on Saturday night. Despite the loss, Cincinnati still remains just three points back of second place in the ECHL’s South Division. Ft. Wayne outshot Cincinnati, 33-27 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser turning aside 32 in the loss.
Last 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.
Last 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.
Previewing Brampton: Like the Cyclones, the Beast are in the thick of their own playoff race as they sit in second place in the ECHL’s North Division, just one point back of Adirondack for first. The North is extremely tight at the moment, as first through fourth place are separated by two points. For Brampton, special teams has been a big key to their success this season, ranking fourth in overall penalty killing at 85.1%, and third in road power play conversion at 22.1% (33/122). They are led by forward David Vallorani who has accounted for 29 goals and 49 assists through 66 games played. Former Cyclone forward David Pacan (36g, 35a) and forward Brandon Marino (20g, 44a) round out the top three. In goal, Zach Fucale, who was called up to Montreal on Monday, leads the way with a 25-12-2-2 record along with a 3.17 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage.
Inside the Series: This marks the first all-time meeting between the two sides, and the lone matchup between Cincinnati and Brampton this season.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones welcome in the Ft. Wayne Komets on Friday night, in the second-to-last home game for the Cyclones and the finale of the eight-game season series. Ft. Wayne has a 4-3-0-0 record in the first seven meetings.
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 16 games, and are 17-6-0-0 in their last 23 games overall. Cincinnati is currently in fifth place in the ECHL’s South Division, just two points back of South Carolina in fifth, and five back of Greenville in second. 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 has points in three of his last four games (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 11 games, totaling three goals and eight assists in that time. Overall, Sims has seven goals and 22 assists in his last 24 games.
Heating up Down the Stretch: Forward Nick Huard has a pair of goals and five assists in his last six games, is tied for the team lead with 44 points (15g, 29a).
Leading By Example: Forward Shawn O’Donnell has points in nine of his last 12 game, accounting for six goals and 11 assists in that time. Two weeks ago in Idaho, O’Donnell registered six points (3g, 3a), and has multi-point outings in three of his last six 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!
