Walleye Spoil Cyclones New Years Day, 6-2

TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Walleye (12-15-2-1) scored three goals in both the first and second period on their way to a 6-2 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones (11-13-5-2) at Huntington Center on Saturday night.

The Walleye jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as Tyler Doig sent a wrist shot past Cyclones netminder Chet Pickard (L, 12 saves, 1-6-2-0) just 2:01 into the opening period.  Dominic Osman made it 2-0 at the 14:01 mark when his shot found the net during a Walleye power play.  Just over two minutes later, at the 16:17 mark, Cincinnati cut the deficit to one when Mathieu Aubin buried his team-leading eighth goal of the season during a man-advantage of their own.  Unfortunately, though, Toledo answered back again; Evan Rankin found himself open at the bottom of the circle and slammed home his 12th goal of the year to give his team a 3-1 lead after one period.

Toledo’s offensive onslaught continued in the middle frame as Tyler Gotto, Doig, and Kyle Rogers each potted goals for the Walleye.  2011 ECHL All-Star Brian O’Hanley picked up a lone power play goal for the Cyclones at the 8:08 mark, making it a 6-2 Toledo lead through 40 minutes.

With a four goal cushion, the Walleye played prevent defense in the third period and despite several Cyclones scoring chances, Toledo held on to win by a 6-2 final.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1.    Tyler Doig (2 goals for Toledo)
2.    Andy Bombach (3 assists for Toledo)
3.    Kyle Page (2 assists, +3 rating for Toledo)

Cincinnati will now escape the winter weather, for one week at least, as they travel to Estero, Florida for a three-game series against the Everblades beginning Wednesday night at 7:30pm.

The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, January 12 when they welcome in the Kalamazoo Wings for a 7:30pm face-off.  It will be another Wet Wednesday, where fans can purchase $1 PBR and Miller High Life all night long.  Discounted ticket packages and single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are available now.  For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

Click here for tonight's box score.