Solar Bears Claim 4-3 Win over Cyclones

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Greg Miller enjoyed a three-point night to lift the Orlando Solar Bears (5-5-2-0) over the Cincinnati Cyclones (4-3-0-1) by a 4-3 final score in front of 2,339 at U.S. Bank Arena on Thursday night.

After being pinned in their own end through the first few minutes, the Solar Bears roared to life with three goals in a four minute span. Eric Knodel blasted in his second lamplighter of the season past Rob Madore (L, 21 saves, 2-2-0-1) to open the scoring at 8:24 followed by back-to-back strikes by Greg Miller and Mike Ullrich to make it 3-0. The Cyclones finally got on the board at 17:13 when Geoff Irwin's centering pass from the corner careened off of Maxime Clermont (L, 31 saves, 2-1-0-0) and into the net to pull the home team to within two after 20 minutes.

In stark contrast with the opening period, the middle frame didn't see any scoring as the Cyclones successfully killed a pair of penalties to keep the deficit at a pair. The third period however, began with a flurry of offensive for Matt Macdonald's team. Just 2:35 into the stanza, Josh McFadden carried the puck from end-to-end and snapped a wrist shot past Clermont for his first marker of the season to make it a one-goal game. Minutes later, at 5:15, McFadden set up Michael Neal in the right circle for a one-timer that sailed into the net, evening the score at three. Unfortunately, the Solar Bears pulled right back ahead as Miller capped off a three-point night by tipping in a point shot at the 7:15 mark to lift his team out in front for good at 4-3. The Cyclones attempted to tie it late with an extra skater, but to no avail as Orlando held on for the one-goal triumph.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena this Saturday, November 15 as they host the Fort Wayne Komets at 7:30pm! The contest will be our annual "Star Wars" Night featuring specialty jerseys that get auctioned off after the game! Plus, the first 1,500 fans ages 2-12 will receive a Cyclones Light Saber! Call 513.421.PUCK to secure your seats and for more details. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!