Brian Foster, Cyclones Shutout Wings 1-0

KALAMAZOO, Michigan – Rookie goalie Brian Foster posted a career-high 47 save shutout as the Cincinnati Cyclones (31-26-6-4) hung on to win 1-0  over the Kalamazoo Wings (36-23-2-5) at Wings Stadium on Wednesday morning.  It was the highest save-output by a Cyclones goaltender this season and the most saves that a Cyclones back-stop has made in a shutout performance since the team resumed ECHL play in 2006-07.

Kalamazoo raced out of the gate and peppered Brian Foster (W, 47 saves, 9-4-1) with 17 shots in the opening period.  However, at the 17:16 mark, Cyclones forward Scott Lehman found a loose puck in front of the net and slammed it past Wings netminder Ryan Nie (27-15-2-3) for a 1-0 Cincinnati lead heading into the first intermission.

As the game continued, so did the Kalamazoo scoring chances.  They proceeded to send 30 more shots on Foster’s net in the final two periods and enjoyed a total of six power plays – but still couldn’t find the net.  After 40 minutes, it was still 1-0 Cyclones.

With just over two minutes remaining in the third period, a Mike Liambas roughing penalty gave the Wings one last shot with the man-advantage – which turned into a two-man advantage when Kalamazoo pulled its goalie.  But yet again, Foster stood tall and made some crucial saves in the final minute to preserve his second shutout of the season and a 1-0 Cyclones win.

With the victory, Cincinnati’s magic number to clinch a playoff spot shrinks to seven.  That number will decrease by two for every Cyclones win or Toledo loss.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1.    Brian Foster (Winning goalie, shutout, 47 saves)
2.    Scott Lehman (Game-winning goal for Cincinnati)
3.    Steven Tarasuk (Even plus/minus rating for Kalamazoo)

The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena THIS Friday, March 25 when they host the Toledo Walleye at 7:30pm.  It will be the final Kids Eat Free Night of the season, as all fans ages 2-12 will receive a FREE meal courtesy of John Morrell, Sunkist, and Sun Drop.  2010-11 single game and discounted group tickets are available now.  2011-12 season tickets are on sale NOW!  For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

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