For Immediate Release: November 26, 2016
Game 17 (Road Game 7)
Vs. Reading Royals (7-8-1-1, 16pts)
Saturday, November 26, 2016 - 7:00pm ET
Santander Arena - Reading, PA
Overview: The Cyclones hit the road for the first of two meetings with the Reading Royals on Saturday night. The Cyclones are coming off of a 4-2 loss to the Quad City Mallards on Wednesday, but despite going 0-2-2-0 in their last four games, Cincinnati has points in seven of their last nine contests.
Wednesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (7-7-2-0) fell to the Quad City Mallards, 4-2 on Wednesday night. Defenseman Eric Knodel and forward Kenny Ryan tallied the goals for the Cyclones, while goaltenders Michael Houser and Joel Rumpel combined to stop 24 in the loss.
Last Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (7-6-2-0) fell to the Atlanta Gladiators, 6-5 in overtime on Friday night. Forward Kenny Ryan had a pair of goals, while forwards Nick Huard and Anthony Richard, along with defenseman Craig Dalrymple tallied lone goals for Cyclones, who saw eight players record points on the night. Cyclones netminder Michael Houser stopped 36 of the 42 shots he faced in the loss.
Last Tuesday Morning Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (7-6-1-0) fell to the Kalamazoo Wings, 3-1, on Tuesday morning. Forward Tommy Mele scored the lone goal for the Cyclones, who see their six-game point streak snapped. Cyclones goaltender Michael Houser stopped 30 of the 32 shots he faced in the loss.
Previewing Reading: The Royals have been struggling as of late, posting a 1-6-1 record in their last eight games and having been outscored, 36-23, in that stretch. They snapped their seven-game skid on Friday night with a 3-2 win over the Elmira Jackals on the road. Reading has spent a lot of time on the road this season as well, with 13 of their first 17 contests away from Santander Arena. They are led offensively by forwards Chris McCarthy and Olivier Labelle who each have seven goals and eight assists. They are followed by forwards Steven Swavely (5g, 8a) and Mike Pereira (6g, 5a). In goal, Mark Dekanich leads the way with a 4-6-1 record along with a 3.47 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage through 12 games played.
Inside the Series: This is the second of three meetings on the season between these two sides, with Cincinnati taking the first contest, 7-4, back on November 9 in Cincinnati. The Cyclones hold a 36-22-5-4 edge in the all-time series.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati and Reading wrap up their two-game weekend series on Sunday afternoon. Face-off is scheduled for 5:00pm ET.
News and Notes:
Achieving His GOALS: After starting the season on a 10-game goal drought, forward Kenny Ryan has goals in five of his last six games played, including a two-goal performance in last Friday’s 6-5 overtime loss to Atlanta. Ryan’s six goals is second on the team, and he is tied for third in points with 11.
Racking up the Points: The Cyclones have points in seven of their last nine games, including a five-game winning streak from November 2-11, and eight of their last 10. Cincinnati is outscoring their opponents, 31-27 in the month of November, and they hold a 20-10 edge in their five wins this month.
Starting off Strong: The Cyclones have made a habit of starting strong this season, ranking second in the ECHL with 18 first period goals. All seven of Cincinnati’s wins this season have come when the Cyclones score the first goal of the game, and they are 7-0-1-0 when leading after two periods. Holding leads was a strong point of the Cyclones last season, having posted a 24-7-1-0 record when leading after one period, and a 30-1-0-1 mark when leading after two periods.
Man on a Mission: Forward Andrew Yogan recorded an assist in Wednesday’s 4-2 loss to Quad City, and now has nine points (4g, 5a) in his last six games. His 17 points (8g, 9a) leads the team, and he has three multi-point efforts over his last five games.
Cyclones Extend Partnership with CPD: The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced they are partnering with the Cincinnati Police Department for the Cyclones’ annual Teddy Bear Toss, which will take place during the team’s December 3rd contest against the Missouri Mavericks. This is the sixth season that the CPD has partnered with the Cyclones for this event, which encourages fans to bring a new or gently loved stuffed animal to the game to throw onto the ice following the Cyclones’ first goal of the evening. The tossed stuffed animals will then be donated to the Police Department who will use them to bring comfort to young victims of crime, accidents, and fires in Cincinnati. This year’s Teddy Bear Toss will, once again, coincide with Throwback Night which will feature $10 tickets, $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, Donatos Pizza, soda and beer. Over the last three seasons, Cyclones fans have donated close to 12,000 stuffed animals to children in need in Cincinnati.
All Aboard: The Cincinnati Cyclones have announced this year’s PBR Party Express Bus Trip. The annual fan excursion will take place from Thursday, January 12 through Sunday, January 15 and will feature a Nashville Predators game and a Cincinnati Cyclones game. The first stop on the trip will be in Nashville, TN, to watch Cincinnati’s National Hockey League (NHL) affiliate Nashville Predators take on the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. From there, the PBR Party Express will head to Atlanta, GA, for a Saturday evening affair between the Cyclones and Atlanta Gladiators. Pricing for this once in a lifetime event includes passage on the PBR Party Express, tickets to both games, and single or double occupancy hotel accommodations. There is a limit of 48 total occupants, and packages will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, you can call Dan Cheraso at (513) 421-0597 or email him at dcheraso@usbankarena.com. PBR Party Express Pricing: Single Occupancy: $310.00; Double Occupancy: $600.00.
The 2016-17 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want you along for the ride as they march towards another Kelly Cup Championship! 2016-17 single game tickets and packages along with group and Season Ticket Packages are available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!