For Immediate Release: January 13, 2016
Vs. FT. Wayne Komets (18-11-2-0, 38PTS)
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones return home on Wednesday night to take on the Ft. Wayne Komets at U.S. Bank Arena. Cincinnati is coming off of a season-long, five-game road trip, and Wednesday marks Cincinnati’s first home game of 2016.
Saturday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (15-13-3-2) dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday night. Forward Jack Downing scored both goals for the Cyclones, who wrap up their season-long, five-game road trip. The Cyclones outshot Norfolk, 38-37 on the night, while the power play converted on 1-of-6 chances.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (15-13-2-2) fell to the Norfolk Admirals, 3-1, on Friday night. Forward Andrew Yogan scored the lone goal for the Cyclones. Goaltender Brandon Whitney had a solid night in goal, stopping 28 of the 30 shots he faced. The Cyclones were outshot, 31-24 on the night, while the power play was held scoreless on all four chances.
Wednesday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (15-12-2-2) fell to the Atlanta Gladiators, 5-2, on Wednesday night. Forward Joe Wilson and defenseman Cody Carlson scored the goals for Cincinnati. The Cyclones outshot Atlanta, 37-33, while the power play was held scoreless on all four chances.
Previewing Ft. Wayne: The Komets have won seven of their previous nine games, and are arguably the ECHL’s hottest team at the moment. They have allowed 1.28 goals per game in their last seven wins, and are outscoring the opposition, 35-15, in their last nine. They are led by forward Mike Embach, who has accounted for 30 points (13g, 17a) through 31 games this season. Forward Shawn Szydlowski is not far behind, accounting for 11 goals and 16 assists, and forward Garrett Thompson rounds out the top three with nine goals and 17 assists. They also boast the League’s best power play, converting on 24 percent (30/125) of extra man opportunities.
Inside the Series: This is the fifth meeting on the season between Cincinnati and Ft. Wayne, with he Cyclones taking three of the first four meetings of the nine-game season series. The lone loss came in overtime back on November 25 (OTL, 3-2)
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones return to the road on Saturday night, when they head to Allen to take on the defending ECHL Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans. Friday is the first of a three-game weekend series, and it also will mark the first all-time meeting between the two clubs.
Cyclones Claim Iles off Waivers: Over the weekend, the Cyclones claimed netminder Andy Iles off of waivers from the Kalamazoo Wings. The 23-year-old has appeared in 13 games this season, splitting time between the Brampton Beast and Atlanta Gladiators. He has posted a 3-3-1 record, along with a 2.38 goals against average, and a 0.892 save percentage this season. A native of Ithaca New York, Iles is in his second full professional season, having seen time last season with the Florida Everblades and the Alaska Aces, after starting his pro career in 2013-14 with the Everblades. Iles played college hockey at Cornell University, appearing in 118 career games. In four seasons with the Big Red, he posted a 58-42-17 record with nine shutouts, a 2.26 goals-against-average and .917 save percentage. He broke Ben Scrivens’ all-time program record for saves (2,962), and made 80 consecutive starts in net for Cornell, the fifth longest streak in NCAA (Division I) history. Internationally, Iles represented the U.S. (Under-20) Team at the World Junior Championships in 2010-11, helping the Americans to a Bronze Medal.
Home Cookin’: The Cyclones skate at home on Wednesday for the first time in the month of January, when they welcome in the Ft. Wayne Komets. Cincinnati is 10-2-1-2 at home this season, averaging 2.93 goals per game in home contests. After starting 2016 with eight of their first nine games on the road, the Cyclones will play four of their last five games in January at home.
HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES!: Forward Jack Downing tallied both goals in Cincinnati’s 3-2 overtime loss to Norfolk on Saturday night, and is now tied for second in the League with 16 goals on the season.
Quenneville, Weinstein Return: Forward Peter Quenneville and defenseman Steve Weinstein have been returned to the Cyclones from the Lake Erie Monsters. Quenneville was reassigned on loan, while Weinstein was released from his PTO. Quenneville suited up in one game for the Monsters, however did not register a point. Weinstein saw action in four games, registering an assist.
Downing, Whitney named to Fantasy Team: The ECHL League Office has announced the winner from each team on the 2015-16 ECHL Fantasy Team, presented by The MeiGray Group, as well as the goaltenders who will be participating for each of the League’s 28 teams in the Golden Goalie Program. Amongst the participants are Cyclones forward Jack Downing, and goaltender Brandon Whitney. Fans had the opportunity to vote for one player on each team, and that player will wear a special Fantasy Team jersey at an upcoming home game. A goaltender from each team was also selected, and he too will wear a specially-designed jersey at an upcoming home game.
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!