For Immediate Release: February 1, 2016
CYCLONES WEEKLY RELEASE- WEEK 16
Week 16: February 1-February 7
LAST WEEK RECAP:
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (20-17-3-2) earned their 20th win of the season, taking down the Quad City Mallards, 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night, in front of 8,391 fans at U.S. Bank Arena. Forwards Zach Budish and Tommy Mele scored the goals in regulation for Cincinnati, while forward Jack Downing collected the overtime winner. The Cyclones peppered Mallards netminder Brody Hoffman with shots all night long, outshooting the Mallards, 42-14. Cincinnati netminder Brandon Whitney turned aside 12 of the 14 shots he faced to earn the win.
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (19-17-3-2) fell to the Ft. Wayne Komets, 4-1, on Friday night. Forward Jack Downing scored the lone goal for the Cyclones, who see their two-game winning streak snapped. Despite the final score, goaltender Andy Iles had another strong game in net for the Cyclones, stopping 25 of the 28 shots he faced. Defenseman Brett Wysopal extended his point streak to seven games with an assist.
Wednesday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (19-16-3-2) took down the Indy Fuel, 3-1, on Wednesday night. Defenseman Brett Wysopal, and forwards Branden Gracel and Jack Downing scored the goals for the Cyclones, who have won four of their last five games. Cyclones netminder Andy Iles turned aside 24 of the 25 shots he faced, and Cincinnati outshot the Fuel, 26-25, on the night, while the power play was held scoreless on all three chances.
Upcoming Schedule:
Wednesday, February 3 vs. Wheeling- 7:35pm ET
Friday, February 5 vs. Indy- 7:35pm ET
Saturday, February 6 AT Indy- 7:35pm ET
News and Notes:
Can’t Take Him Down: Forward Jack Downing has been amongst the top scorers on the Cyclones all season long, and the month of January was no exception, with Downing racking up 11 points (7g, 4a). All of his points have come over his last nine games played, including the overtime game-winner in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Quad City Mallards. He is riding a four-game point streak, totaling three goals and two assists, and his 21 goals on the season are second in the ECHL.
Making an Impression: Cyclones forward Tommy Mele has made his impact felt since joining the Cyclones in a trade with the Norfolk Admirals on January 17. In seven games with Cincinnati, Mele has accounted for three goals and an assist, along with a pair of fights.
50th Win for MacDonald: Wednesday’s 3-1 win over the Indy Fuel marked the 50th career head coaching victory for Cyclones head coach Matt MacDonald. Currently in his second season as Cincinnati’s bench boss, MacDonald has compiled a 51-47-3-9 record with the Cyclones.
Back With a Vengeance: Defenseman Brett Wysopal has been on a tear since returning to the lineup on January 13, accounting for points in seven of his eight games (2g, 6a), including an assist in Friday’s 4-1 loss to the Ft. Wayne Komets. Wysopal had been out of the lineup since November 4 with an injury.
Home Sweet Home: After starting 2016 off with eight of their first nine games on the road, the Cyclones will play five of their next six, and 10 of the next 14 games at home. Cincinnati has posted a 13-4-1-2 record on home ice this season, and is averaging 2.90 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 30 games remaining on the regular season schedule, Cincinnati will be playing 22 of those against Midwest Division foes (Evansville, Ft. Wayne, Indy, Quad City). The Cyclones have compiled an 8-8-1-1 record against divisional opponents this season.
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!
