For Immediate Release: March 11, 2016
Game 58 (Home Game 30)
Vs. Quad City Mallards (27-24-4-2, 60 PTS)
Friday, March 11, 2016 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones extended their point streak to seven games with a pair of wins last weekend, and have earned wins in 10 of their last 12 games. Cincinnati currently sits in second place in the ECHL’s Midwest Division, and are four points back of the Division-leading Ft. Wayne Komets (72), and is in sole possession of the sixth playoff spot in the Western Conference, one point back of the Utah Grizzlies for fifth, and three points ahead of the Colorado Eagles in seventh.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (31-20-3-3) earned a 5-1 win over the Indy Fuel on Saturday night. Forwards Nick Huard, Christiaan Minella, Zach Budish, Seth Ambroz, and Jack Downing scored the goals for the Cyclones, who push their point streak to seven games. It was another stellar outing for Cyclones goaltender Andy Iles, who turned aside 30 of the 31 shots he faced to collect the win.
Last Friday Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (30-20-3-3) picked up a 6-2 win over the Quad City Mallards on Friday night. Defenseman Jonathan Diaby, and forwards Seth Ambroz, Colin Mulvey, Joe Wilson, Tommy Mele and Zach Budish scored the goals for the Cyclones, who earn their ninth win in the last 11 games. Goaltender Andy Iles was stellar in net for the Cyclones, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced to collect the win.
Last Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (29-20-3-3) fell to the Indy Fuel, 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday night, in front of a record crowd of 16,529 at U.S. Bank Arena. Forward Colin Mulvey scored both goals in regulation for the Cyclones, who have points in 10 of the last 12 games. The Cyclones outshot Indy, 33-30, including 15-8 in the third period and overtime.
Previewing Quad City: The Mallards snapped their two-game skid with a 5-4 win over the Evansville IceMen on Wednesday night. Quad City has dropped three of their last four, including a 6-2 decision last Friday night to Cincinnati. They are led by forward Matt Neal, who has accounted for 40 points (16g, 24a) through 57 games this season. He is followed by forwards Matt Carey (19g, 24a) and Olivier Archambault (15g, 20a) who round out the top three.
Inside the Series: This will be the second meeting in the last six days between the Cyclones and Mallards, and the fourth since February 19. The Cyclones have a 4-2-0-1 record through the first seven of the 11-game season series and are outscoring the Mallards, 21-18, in those contests, however, five of those contests have been decided by two or fewer goals.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati wraps up their two-game homestand with Quad City on Saturday night at 7:35pm ET.
Rolling Along: Cincinnati is currently riding a seven-game point streak (6-0-0-1), and is outscoring their opposition, 31-13, in that time. The Cyclones have won 10 of their last 12 games, and their 16-5-0-1 record since January 17 is tied for the ECHL’s best mark in that time.
Thiessen and Noonan Return: Goaltender Brad Thiessen has been returned on loan from the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL), while defenseman Garrett Noonan has been sent down from the Milwaukee Admirals, AHL affiliate of the Cyclones. Thiessen began his most recent stint with the Monsters back on January 5, appearing in 20 games in Lake Erie and posting a 10-4-4 record along with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage in 18 games played. He was amongst the League’s goaltending leaders in February, earning AHL Goaltender of the Month honors after posting a record of 6-1-2, along with a 1.75 GAA and .937 SV%. In 20 total games played with the Monsters, Thiessen has posted a 2.00 GAA along with a 0.926 SV%. Noonan has suited up in 20 games for the Cyclones this season, accounting for seven goals and 24 assists for 31 points. Noonan has been one of the ECHL’s top-scoring defenseman this season, ranking ninth amongst League rearguards in scoring. He was named Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week for the week of February 8-14, after registering a pair of goals and five assists over a four-game span.
Sharing is Caring: Eleven different players recorded points in Cincinnati’s two wins last weekend, including seven who enjoyed multipoint efforts. Forward Jack Downing led the way with six points (1g, 5a) while defenseman Brett Wysopal dished out five assists and forward Zach Budish netted a pair of goals and two assists. Forward Joe Wilson had a goal and two assists, and forward Seth Ambroz netted a pair of goals. Additionally, defenseman Jonathan Diaby and forward Tommy Mele each registered a goal and an assist.
Powerful Man: Forward Nick Huard scored his League-leading 13th power play goal in Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Indy Fuel. Huard has been one of Cincinnati’s top producers on the man-advantage this season, with 21 of his 40 points (13g, 7a) coming on the power play. The North Bay, ONT, native is currently eighth in League rookie scoring, accounting for 17 goals and 23 assists.
Callin’ on Colin: Forward Colin Mulvey has lit the lamp four times over his last four games, and has six points (4g, 2a) in his last six. Since being acquired in a trade from the South Carolina Stingrays, Mulvey has accounted for four goals and three assists in 10 games.
Late Game Heroics: With two goals in the third period of Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Indy Fuel, the Cyclones lead the ECHL with 71 goals in the third period, and are outscoring their opponents, 71-49, in the final frame, which is tied for the largest margin in the ECHL. Cincinnati’s third period offensive production has especially been showcased in the final 10 minutes of regulation, as the Cyclones are outscoring the opposition, 43-28, in that span.
And Down the Stretch They Come!: Saturday’s 5-1 win over Indy marked the 25th time this season that Cincinnati has won a game when leading after two periods. The Cyclones are 25-1-0-0 when leading heading into the third period, and are a perfect 18-0-0-0 at home when leading through 40 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!