For Immediate Release: November 14, 2017
KNODEL LEADS CYCLONES TO VICTORY WITH MATINÉE HAT TRICK
Cincinnati Sends Youthful Crowd Home with Big Win
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (7-3-1-0) skated to a 5-2 win over the Quad City Mallards on Tuesday morning, in front of close to 7,500 on Field Trip Game day. For the second time in three games Cincinnati recorded a hat trick, as captain Eric Knodel lit the lamp three times, while forward Shawn O’Donnell and defenseman Arvin Atwal each potted lone markers.
Cincinnati found the back of the net late in the opening period when forward Andrew Radjenovic sent a pass to Knodel in the left circle, and he launched a shot past Mallards goaltender Ivan Kulbakov to give the ‘Clones a 1-0 lead through 20 minutes.
The Cyclones extended their lead to 2-0 6:42 into the second when forward Jesse Schultz sent a pass up to O’Donnell, and he skated by the defense and lifted a backhander by Kulbakov for his sixth goal of the season.
Just 2:05 later, Cincinnati’s power play found the scoresheet, when a shot from Knodel deflected off forward Justin Danforth back to Knodel, and he snapped a shot in to give the Cyclones a 3-0 lead.
The Mallards found some power play magic of their own midway through the frame when forward Tyler Wong lit the lamp on a 5-on-3 Quad City advantage, cutting Cincinnati’s lead to 3-1.
Cincinnati took their 3-1 lead into the locker room after 40 minutes, and in the third the ‘Clones added to their advantage 7:59 into the frame when Atwal netted his first goal of the season off a pass from forward Brandon McNally.
The Mallards tacked on one more on a goal from forward Kyle Follmer, however Knodel sealed the game and wrapped up his hat trick with six seconds to play when he lofted a shot from the defensive zone into the empty net, sending Cincinnati to the 5-2 win.
The Cyclones were outshot, 26-25 on the day, with goaltender Anthony Peters stopping 24 to collect the win. Cincinnati is back on home ice Friday night when they welcome in the Toledo Walleye. Face-off is slated for 7:35pm ET.
The 2017-18 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want YOU along for the ride! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones single game tickets, ticket packages, and Season and Group Tickets! Also, stay on top of the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
