For Immediate Release: January 27, 2016
Vs. Indy Fuel (21-20-2-0, 44 PTS)
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones wrap up their three-game homestand on Wednesday against the Indy Fuel. The Cyclones are coming off of a 6-4 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets on Saturday night. The Cyclones are now tied for third place in the ECHL’s Midwest Division, and currently hold down the seventh playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Saturday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (18-16-3-2) took down the Ft. Wayne Komets, 6-4, on Saturday night at U.S. Bank Arena. Forwards Branden Gracel and Andrew Yogan each accounted for a pair of goals and an assist, while forwards Zach Budish and Tommy Mele each added lone tallies for the Cyclones, who tie a season high with six goals in a home game. The Cyclones outshot the Komets, 34-27 on the night, with goaltender Brandon Whitney turning aside 23 to collect the win.
Friday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (17-16-3-2) fell to the Ft. Wayne Komets, 5-1, on Friday night. Forward Joe Wilson scored the lone goal for the Cyclones. Goaltender Andy Iles turned aside 28 of the 33 shots he faced in the loss for the Cyclones, who were outshot, 33-18, on the night.
Monday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (17-15-3-2) collected a 4-3 overtime win over the Allen Americans on Monday afternoon. Forwards Nick Huard, Zach Budish, Tommy Mele, and Branden Gracel netted the goals for the Cyclones, who earn their second straight win. The Cyclones outshot Allen, 31-20, while the power play converted at a 25% clip.
Previewing Indy: The Fuel have won four in a row after dropping six of their previous eight, and currently sit in second place in the Midwest Division, three points ahead of the Cyclones. They are outscoring their opposition, 11-5 on their current four-game winning streak, and have won four of their last five road games. Forward Alex Lavoie leads the team with 30 points (9g, 21a), followed by defenseman Ben Marshall with 23 (5g, 18a).
Inside the Series: This is the third of 11 meetings this season between the Cyclones and Fuel, with Indy winning the first two. Three of the Cyclones’ next six games will be against the Fuel, including the team’s first of five games in Indy on February 6.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones head out on the road for a Friday night affair with the Ft. Wayne Komets. Cincinnati took down Ft. Wayne, 6-4, on Saturday night, and has won both of the meetings this season in Ft. Wayne, outscoring the Komets, 10-2, on their home ice.
Home Sweet Home: After starting 2016 off with eight of their first nine games on the road, the Cyclones will play seven of their next nine, and 11 of the next 16 games at home. Cincinnati has posted an 11-4-1-2 record on home ice this season, and is averaging 2.88 goals per game in home contests.
Familiar Foes: The Cyclones are preparing for a lot of games in division over the last half of the season. With 33 games remaining on the regular season schedule, Cincinnati will be playing 25 of those against Midwest Division foes (Evansville, Ft. Wayne, Indy, Quad City). The Cyclones have compiled a 7-7-1-1 record against divisional opponents this season.
Back With a Vengeance: Defenseman Brett Wysopal has been on a tear since returning to the lineup on January 13, accounting for points in five straight games (1g, 4a). Wysopal had been out of the lineup since November 4 with an injury.
Amazing Grace: Forward Branden Gracel accounted for a pair of goals and an assist in Saturday’s 6-4 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets. The Calgary, AB, native has three goals and an assist over his last three games, including the game-winner in last Monday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Allen Americans, after being held off the scoresheet in five straight.
Racking up the Points: Forward Andrew Yogan continued his stellar month on January on Saturday, accounting for a pair of goals and an assist in Cincinnati’s 6-4 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets. Yogan has points in all but two games this month, totaling five goals and eight assists in 11 games.
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!