For Immediate Release: January 8, 2016
Vs. Norfolk Admirals (12-22-1-1, 26PTS)
Friday, January 8, 2016 - 7:30pm ET
Scope Arena- Norfolk, VA
Overview: The Cyclones wrap up their five-game road trip this weekend with a pair of games, starting Friday in Norfolk against the Admirals. Cincinnati is coming off of a 5-2 loss on Wednesday night at the hands of the Atlanta Gladiators, marking the team’s seventh loss in their last 11 games.
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.
Sunday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (15-11-2-2) collected a 4-2 win over the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday afternoon. Forwards Zach Budish, Nick Huard and Andrew Yogan, and defenseman Cody Carlson scored the goals for the Cyclones, who snap their brief two-game road-losing streak. Cyclones goaltender Brandon Whitney was stellar in goal, coming up with a number of spectacular saves, including a stop on a 2-on-0 shorthanded breakaway in the second period. Overall, he stopped 43 of the 45 shots he faced, earning his sixth win as a Cyclone. The Cyclones were out shot, 43-27, while the power play was held scoreless on all three chances.
Saturday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (14-11-2-2) fell to the South Carolina Stingrays, 4-1, on Saturday night. Forward Christiaan Minella scored the lone goal for the Cyclones in the game, while former Cyclones forward David Pacan netted a hat trick against his former team. The Cyclones were outshot, 36-29 on the night, while the power play converted on one of its five chances. Goaltender Neil Conway was solid in net, stopping 32 in the loss.
Previewing Norfolk: The Admirals have won two of their last three games, after dropping six of their previous seven prior to that. They are coming off of a 4-2 loss at the hands of the Orlando Solar Bears on Wednesday night, and currently sit in last place in the ECHL’s East Division. They are led in scoring by forwards Steven Whitney (8g, 14a) and Michael Pelech (5g, 17a) who each have 22 points on the season. They are followed by forward Tommy Mele (10g, 9a) and defenseman Charles-Olivier Roussel (2g, 17a) who each have 19 points.
Inside the Series: This is the first of two meetings this season between the Cyclones and Admirals, with game two coming on Saturday night. Friday marks the first all-time meeting between Cincinnati and Norfolk, as the Admirals came to the ECHL this past summer, as a part of the ECHL/AHL realignment.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones wrap up the season series with the Admirals on Saturday night. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:15pm ET.
Quenneville, Weinstein Return: Forward Peter Quenneville and defenseman Steve Weinstein have been returned to the Cyclones from the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL). 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.
Holding the Lead: Sunday’s 4-2 win over the South Carolina Stingrays marked the 13th win for the Cyclones this season when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are now 13-2-0-0 when leading after 40 minutes.
Shorthanded Advantage: Forward Andrew Yogan scored his team-leading second shorthanded goal in Sunday’s 4-2 win over South Carolina. He is now tied for second in the League in that category.
The Road Ahead: The Cyclones are in the middle of their season-long five-game road trip, with a pair of games remaining against Norfolk, the Cyclones will return home for a Wednesday game against Ft. Wayne, then head back out on the road for three against the Allen Americans. The road hasn’t been too kind to Cincinnati this season, as the Cyclones have compiled a 5-10-1-0 record away from U.S. Bank Arena. Despite the struggles on the road, the Cyclones are averaging 3.2 goals per game in road contests.
Cyclones Add Two: Late last week, the Cyclones signed forward Connor Toomey, and defenseman Jeremy Gates. Toomey, a rookie from Billerica, MA, made his Cyclones debut in Friday’s 4-0 win over the Toledo Walleye. He appeared in 20 games with the Macon Mayhem and Peoria Rivermen of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), accounting for six goals and 14 assists between the two teams. Gates also comes from the SPHL, skating in 21 games for the Pensacola Ice Flyers, accounting for four goals and 12 assists in that time. A native of Jackson, MI, Gates has seen time in the ECHL before, spending parts of the last three seasons with the Fort Wayne Komets and Rapid City Rush. In 68 career ECHL games, the 28-year-old rearguard has accounted for three goals and 16 assists, along with 19 penalty minutes.
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!