For Immediate Release: March 26, 2016
Vs. Toledo Walleye (42-18-2-3, 89 PTS)
Saturday, March 26, 2016 - 7:15pm ET
Huntington Center - Toledo, OH
Overview: The Cyclones close out their three-game weekend on Saturday night against the Toledo Walleye. The Cyclones are coming off of a 5-1 loss to the Indy Fuel on Friday night, and now sit in sixth place in the ECHL’s Western Conference playoff picture, one point back of the Utah Grizzlies in fifth place, and three up on the Colorado Eagles in seventh.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (33-23-5-4) fell to the Indy Fuel, 5-1, on Friday night. Forward Peter Quenneville tallied the lone goal for the Cyclones. Cincinnati outshot the Fuel, 48-27 on the night, with goaltenders Andy Iles and Brandon Whitney combining to stop 22 in the loss
Thursday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones, (33-22-5-4) fell to the Indy Fuel, 4-3, in overtime on Thursday night. Forward Tommy Mele had two goals for the Cyclones, while forward Branden Gracel chipped in a lone marker. Indy outshot Cincinnati, 37-22 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 33 in the loss.
Sunday Evening Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (33-22-4-4) fell to the Evansville IceMen, 6-5 in a shootout, on Sunday evening. Defenseman Brett Wysopal, and forwards Tommy Mele, Christiaan Minella, Colin Mulvey and Jack Downing scored the goals for the Cyclones, who have now gone to overtime or a shootout in three straight games. The Cyclones outshot Evansville, 41-34 on the night, while the power play converted on 50% of its chances.
Previewing Toledo: The are the top team in the ECHL’s Eastern Conference, and have already clinched a spot in the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs. They are coming off of a 6-3 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets on Friday night, snapping a two game skid. The Walleye are led by forward Shane Berschbach who has accounted for 63 points (23g, 40a) through 56 games this season. Forwards A.J. Jenks (22g, 23a), and Tyler Sikura (16g, 25a) round out the top three in scoring for Toledo.
Inside the Series: Saturday will be the fourth of five meetings between the Cyclones and Walleye, with Cincinnati holding a 2-0-0-1 edge in the season series. This will be the lone game for the Cyclones this season in Toledo, and the two teams will meet for the final time this season next Saturday at U.S. Bank Arena.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati returns home for a Tuesday night affair with the Ft. Wayne Komets. Ft. Wayne currently sits atop the Midwest Division, five points ahead of the Cyclones. Tuesday marks the season-series finale between the two teams, with Cincinnati holding a 5-3-1-0 edge in the series.
Career Highs: With a pair of goals and an assist in Thursday night’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Indy Fuel, forward Tommy Mele has set new career highs in both goals (23), and points (43). He been one of Cincinnati’s top offensive producers over the last two months, accounting for 13 goals and 10 assists since joining the Cyclones in mid-January. The Bronx, NY, native has points in 12 of his last 15 games, totaling 15 points (8g, 7a) in that span.
Piling up the Points: The Cyclones have been on of the ECHL’s hottest teams in the last two months, posting an 18-9-2-2 record in the last 31 games. Cincinnati has points in 12 of the last 15 games, and has outscored the opposition, 50-37 over the last 31 contests.
Playing Hero: Forward Branden Gracel scored the game-winner in last Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night. He is now tied with forward Nick Huard for the team-lead in game-winning goals at five. He is tied for seventh on the Cyclones in scoring with 34 points (13g, 21a), and Friday’s goal snapped an eight-game goal drought.
Downing Takes the Lead: With the lone goal in last Friday night’s 2-1 overtime loss to the Wheeling Nailers, forward Jack Downing took over ECHL goal scoring lead with his 28th of the season. He then tacked on his 29th of the year in Sunday’s 6-5 shootout loss to the Evansville IceMen. Downing leads the Cyclones and ranks eighth in League scoring with 56 points through 62 games (29g, 27a). He has had a good first half of March, totaling a three goals and seven assists through the first nine games of the month.
Timely Scoring: The Cyclones rank third in the ECHL with 75 goals in the third period. They are outscoring their opponents, 75-54, in the final frame, which is 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, 45-32, in that span.
Cyclones Announce Playoff Ticket Packages: The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced ticket packages for the upcoming 2016 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. Cyclones playoff packages start at $256 per seat and include all 16 potential playoff games. Current 36-game full-season ticket holders already have games one and two of the 2016 playoffs included in their season ticket packages, therefore 14-game plans are available starting at $224 per seat. Single game tickets will be announced at a later date, once the Cyclones officially clinch a spot in the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Cyclones currently hold down fifth place in the ECHL’s Western Conference. Under the current ECHL playoff format, the top eight teams from both the Eastern and Western Conference receive playoff berths, and all rounds are a best-of-seven format with a potential of four rounds in total.
The 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs are right around the corner! 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 2016 Kelly Cup Playoff 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!