For Immediate Release: December 3, 2015
Game 19 (Road Game 7)
vs Greenville Swamp Rabbits (9-10-1-0)
Thursday, December 3, 2015 - 7:00 pm ET
Bon Secours Wellness Arena- Greenville, SC
Overview: The Cyclones head back on the road for a meeting with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Thursday night. The Cyclones are coming off of a 2-1 shootout loss to the Quad City Mallards on Tuesday night, and currently sit in second place in the Midwest Division.
Tuesday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (10-4-2-2) fell to the Quad City Mallards, 2-1 in the shootout, on Tuesday night. Forward Peter Quenneville tallied the lone goal for the Cyclones, who fall to 1-4 this season in games decided by overtime or a shootout. It was another solid performance from goaltender Brad Thiessen who stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced in the loss. Cincinnati outshot Quad City, 28-23 on the night, while the power play was held scoreless on all seven opportunities.
Saturday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (10-4-2-1) dropped a 2-1 decision to the Quad City Mallards on Saturday night. Forward Zach Budish scored the lone goal for the Cyclones, who fall into a two-way tie with the Mallards for the lead in the Midwest Division. The Cyclones out shot Quad City, 31-29, in the contest, while the power play was held scoreless on all three chances. Goaltender Brad Thiessen stopped 27 shots in the loss.
Thursday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (10-3-2-1) collected a 5-1 win over the Fort Wayne Komets on Thursday night. Forwards Jack Downing, Christiaan Minella, Zach Budish, Peter Quenneville, and Nick Huard netted the goals for the Cyclones, who avenged their 3-2 overtime loss to the Komets from Wednesday. The Cyclones were outshot, 34-21, on the night, while the power play converted on one of its three chances. Cyclones goaltender Brandon Whitney was big in net for Cincinnati, stopping 33 of the 34 shots he faced to collect the win.
Previewing Greenville: The Swamp Rabbits have won four of their last six games, however are coming off of a 2-0 loss to the Adirondack Thunder on Sunday. Greenville currently sits in last place in the South Division, one point behind the Orlando Solar Bears. Former Cyclone Jack Combs leads the Swamp Rabbits in scoring, accounting for nine goals and 11 assists through 17 games. He’s followed by forward Scott Fleming (6g, 8a), and Bretton Cameron (6g, 6a) who round out the top three.
Inside the Series: This is the first of two meetings this season between Greenville and Cincinnati, with game two coming on Friday night. These two sides met four times last season, with Greenville taking each matchup. The two sides have met a total of 19 times, with Greenville holding a 12-7-0 record in those contests.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones wrap up their two game series with Greenville on Friday night. Faceoff is slated for 7:00pm ET.
TOP HEADLINES
Hitting the Road: After playing 11 of the first 18 games at home, the Cyclones will play 16 of the next 23 games on the road, skating just six times at home between December 1 and January 30. So far this season, the Cyclones have compiled a 2-3-1-0 mark on the road, and are averaging 2.57 goals per game in those contests.
Welcome Back!: The Cyclones received a trio of players from the American Hockey League (AHL) prior to Tuesday’s game against Quad City in forward Andrew Yogan, defenseman Garrett Noonan, and goaltender Brandon Whitney. Yogan spent 16 games with the Iowa Wild, accounting for a goal and three assists in that time. He made his presence felt in Cincinnati’s home opener, dishing out three assists in a 5-1 win over the Toledo Walleye. Noonan spent five games in Milwaukee with the Admirals, however did not register a point. He is second on the Cyclones in defenseman scoring with three goals and three assists. Whitney dressed in one game for the Admirals as well, but did not see game action. He has posted a 3-1-0-0 record with the Cyclones, along with a 1.99 goals-against average, and a .930 save percentage.
Youngbloods: Rookie forwards Peter Quenneville and Joe Wilson have been making some big offensive contributions as of late. Quenneville potted the lone goal in Tuesday’s 2-1 shootout loss to the Quad City Mallards, and now has points in six of his last seven games played (3g, 3a). He has accounted for 10 points through the first 17 games of his pro career (3g, 7a). Wilson has netted a pair of goals and dished out two assists over his last six games, and has a positive or even on-ice rating in eight straight contests.
Moving on Up: Forward Joe Pendenza was recalled to the Milwaukee Admirals prior to Saturday’s game against Quad City. Pendenza is tied for third in team scoring, accounting for six goals and seven assists in 15 games played.
Well, Aren’t You Special: The Cyclones’ special teams play has been a large part to the team’s early season success. Cincinnati netted their first shorthanded marker of the season in Thursday’s 5-1 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets, while the power play has goals in seven of the team’s last 11 games. Cincinnati is seventh in the ECHL, converting on 20.3% (13-of-64) of man-advantage opportunities, and have accounted for 39 points on the power play this season (13g, 26a). Forward Nick Huard (3g, 3a) leads the way with six power play points, while Jack Downing (3g, 2a), Joe Pendenza (2g, 3a) and Zach Budish (5a) are tied for second with five points each.
Playing Stingy: The Cyclones are currently third in the ECHL with 2.00 goals allowed per game. The Cyclones have allowed two or fewer goals in eight of their last 10 games played, and have let in a total of 36 goals this season, which is the third fewest in the League.
The 2015-2016 season is underway! Your Cyclones are on the march towards another Kelly Cup Championship, and want you along for the ride! Be sure to check out one of our 2015-16 Ticket Packages, available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Instagram, and our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
