For Immediate Release: December 31, 2015
Game 28 (Home Game 15)
Vs. Toledo Walleye (17-8-1-3)
Thursday, December 31, 2015 - 6:00pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cincinnati Cyclones conclude their two-game homestand on Thursday when they welcome in the Toledo Walleye. They Cyclones are coming off of a 5-1 loss on Tuesday night at the hands of the Indy Fuel, marking just their second regulation home loss of the season.
Tuesday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (13-10-2-2) fell to the Indy Fuel, 5-1, on Tuesday night. Forward Jack Downing scored the lone goal for the Cyclones, who suffer just their second regulation loss at home this season. Cincinnati was outshot on the night, 25-23, while the power play converted on one-of-three chances.
Saturday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (13-9-2-2) fell to the Evansville IceMen, 4-2, on Saturday night. Forwards Andrew Yogan and Mike Hammond scored the lone goals for the Cyclones. Cincinnati was outshot, 51-19 on the night, with Neil Conway stopping 47 in the loss.
Last Sunday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (13-8-2-2) picked up a 6-1 win over the Wichita Thunder on Sunday evening. Forwards Zach Budish and Branden Gracel each had a pair of goals, while forwards Christiaan Minella and Joe Wilson each added lone tallies for the Cyclones, who snap their two-game losing streak. Neil Conway was stellar in net, stopping 15 of the 16 shots he faced to collect his first win as a Cyclone. The Cyclones outshot the Thunder, 35-16, while the power play converted on one-of-five chances.
Previewing Toledo: The Walleye are one of the hottest teams in the ECHL in recent weeks, having won their last six of their last seven games played, and 10 of their last 13. Defensively, Toledo has been rather stingy in recent weeks, allowing fewer than three goals in 11 of their last 15 games. Forward Shane Berschbach is the team’s active scoring leader, accounting for six goals and 14 assists. He’s followed by a pair of 18-point scorers in forward A.J. Jenks (8g, 10a), and defenseman Joel Chouinard (4g, 14a).
Inside the Series: This is the third of five meetings this season between Cincinnati and Toledo, with each team winning once. The two sides have met 69 times all-time, with the Cyclones holding a 37-31-0-1 edge in the series.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones head back out on the road on Saturday for the first of two meetings with the South Carolina Stingrays; the 2015 Eastern Conference Champions. Cincinnati and South Carolina met three times last season, with Cincinnati posting a 0-1-0-2 record.
TOP STORYLINES
Thiessen Returns to Cincinnati: The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced that goaltender Brad Thiessen has been returned on loan from the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL). Thiessen, who was assigned to Lake Erie on December 11, appeared in two games for the Monsters, posting a 2.60 goals-against average, and an .850 save percentage. The Aldergrove, BC, native is amongst the top goaltenders in the ECHL this season, posting a 7-3-1-2 record, and currently ranking fifth in the League with a 0.932 save percentage, and sixth with a 2.00 goals-against average. He has allowed 27 goals in 14 starts this season, and has allowed more than two goals on just three occasions.
Weinstein Signs PTO: Defenseman Steve Weinstein has signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL). Weinstein heads to the Monsters as the Cyclones’ defensive scoring leader, accounting for three goals and 14 assists through 26 games. He has points in nine of his last 13 games played, tallying a goal and 11 assists in that time.
Racking Up the Points: Forward Andrew Yogan has been on fire since coming back from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL). He had his five-game point streak snapped in Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to the Indy Fuel, however he has points in eight of his last 10 games, accounting for five goals and eight assists in that time.
The Road Ahead: The Cyclones are getting ready to log a ton of bus miles over the next few weeks, with 8 of the team’s next 10 games on the road. The Cyclones will be heading to South Carolina, Atlanta, Norfolk, and Allen. The road hasn’t been too kind to Cincinnati this season, as the Cyclones have compiled a 4-8-1-0 record away from U.S. Bank Arena. Despite the struggles on the road, the Cyclones are averaging 3.41 goals per game in road contests.
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!
