For Immediate Release: January 9, 2016
Vs. Norfolk Admirals (13-22-1-1, 28PTS)
Saturday, January 9, 2016 - 7:15pm ET
Scope Arena- Norfolk, VA
Overview: The Cyclones wrap up their five-game on Saturday night against the Norfolk Admirals. The Cyclones are coming off of a heartbreaking 3-1 loss to Norfolk on Friday night.
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.
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.
Previewing Norfolk: The Admirals have won three of their last four games, after dropping six of their previous seven prior to that. They are coming off the 3-1 win over the Cyclones on Friday night, and currently sit in last place in the ECHL’s East Division. They are led in scoring by forward Steven Whitney who has accounted for 24 points (8g, 16a), followed by Michael Pelech with 23 (5g, 18a). Rounding out the top three is forward Scott Allen, totaling eight goals and 12 assists.
Inside the Series: This is the second of two meetings this season between the Cyclones and Admirals, as well as the second 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. The Admirals hold a 1-0-0-0 edge over the Cyclones in the all-time series.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones return home on Wednesday night to take on arguably the ECHL’s hottest team- the Ft. Wayne Komets. The Komets have won four straight entering Saturday night, and seven of their previous eight. The Cyclones have taken three of the first four meetings of the nine-game season series, with the lone loss coming in overtime.
Cyclones add Vazzano: The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced the signing of goaltender Alex Vazzano to a contract. He comes to Cincinnati after spending time this season in the ECHL, Federal Hockey League (FHL), and the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). A native of Trumbull, CT, Vazzano has seen action in 10 total games this season, seven of which have come with the Danbury Titans of the FHL. In those seven contests, he posted a 5-2-0 record, along with a 3.01 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage. Vazzano has also appeared in a pair of games this season with the Louisiana IceGators of the SPHL, posting a 0-1-0 record with a 3.89 GAA, and .853 SV%. The 25-year-old has also skated in seven ECHL contests since turning pro in 2015, appearing in one game with the Reading Royals this season, and six with the Evansville IceMen last season. Vazzano enjoyed a successful collegiate career, spending two seasons at the University of Vermont, where he was teammates with current Cyclones forward Jack Downing during his freshman season of 2010-11, before transferring to Sacred Heart University for his final two seasons.
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 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 5-11-1-0 record away from U.S. Bank Arena. Despite the struggles on the road, the Cyclones are averaging 3.00 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!