For Immediate Release: April 8, 2018
CYCLONES FALL IN PLAYOFF PREVIEW
Regular Season Comes to a Close in Ft. Wayne
Ft. Wayne, IN- The Cincinnati Cyclones (39-30-3-0) dropped a 6-3 decision to the Ft. Wayne Komets, in the regular season finale for both teams. Defensemen Mike Barrett and Eric Diodati, along with forward Winston Day Chief scored the goals for Cincinnati.
After a scoreless opening period, Cincinnati drew first blood 8:09 into the second thanks to a lucky bounce from the Komets, when Ft. Wayne defenseman Cody Sol attempted to clear the puck from behind the net but inadvertently shot it into his own goal to give the Cyclones a 1-0 lead. Day Chief was given credit for the goal, as he was the last Cyclone to touch the puck.
After Ft. Wayne evened up the game, 1-1 just 22 seconds later, on a goal from defenseman Justin MacDonald, Cincinnati regained the lead before the intermission when Diodati crashed the net and buried a rebound following a shot from forward Shawn O’Donnell to put Cincinnati ahead, 2-1, after 40 minutes.
The Komets struck quickly in the third, getting a pair in the first 2:46 from forwards Anthony Petruzzelli and Mason Baptista to take a 4-2 lead. Cincinnati stole back some of the quick momentum at the 7:37 mark while shorthanded, when Barret came down the left side and snapped in a shot from the circle to pull the ‘Clones back to within a goal, 4-3.
The momentum was short-lived for the Cyclones however, as two more from forwards Gabriel Desjardins and Phelix Martineau capped off Ft. Wayne’s 6-3 win. The Komets outshot Cincinnati, 44-24 on the evening, with goaltender Hayden Stewart steering aside 38 in defeat. Cincinnati now turns their attention to Game 1 the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs against the Komets. Face-off is slated for 7:35pm ET.
The 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs are upon us, and the Cincinnati Cyclones are on the quest for a THIRD Kelly Cup Championship! Single game playoff tickets and packages are on sale NOW, and can be purchased by caling (513) 421-PUCK! Also, stay on top of the latest team updates, news, and notes on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
