For Immediate Release: February 2, 2017
Game 44 (Home Game 21)
Vs. Wheeling Nailers (23-15-3-0, 35pts)
Thursday, February 2, 2017 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: The Cyclones continue their six-game homestand on Thursday night against the Wheeling Nailers. Cincinnati dropped Wednesday’s contest with the Rapid City Rush, 3-1, however they are just nine points back of Orlando for the fourth and final South Division playoff spot.
Last Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (18-21-4-0) fell to the Rapid City Rush, 3-1, on Wednesday night. Forward Nick Huard netted the lone goal for the Cyclones, who opened up a six-game homestand. Each team registered 19 shots on goal, with Cyclones goaltender Mark Visentin stopping 16 in the loss.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (18-20-4-0) dropped a 5-2 decision to the Missouri Mavericks on Saturday night. Defenseman Craig Dalrymple and Saverio Posa netted the goals for Cincinnati. The Cyclones were outshot, 32-29 on the night, with netminder Michael Houser turning aside 27 in the loss.
Friday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (18-19-4-0) fell to the Missouri Mavericks, 4-2, on Friday night. For the second straight game, the Cyclones’ power play was firing on all cylinders as forward Colin Mulvey and defenseman Eric Knodel each tallied lone man-advantage markers. The Cyclones outshot the Mavericks, 29-24 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 20 in the loss.
Previewing Wheeling: The Nailers had their six-game winning streak snapped on Sunday in a 5-4 loss to the Kalamazoo Wings. Wheeling has been on fire offensively as of late, outscoring teams 36-17 in their last seven games and tallying five or more goals in five of them. The Nailers are now ninth in the League with 3.61 goals per game, and they also boast the seventh-best power play unit in the ECHL, having converted on 20.7% of their man-advantage opportunities (39/188). Forward Nick Sorkin leads the way with 11 goals and 26 assists in 36 games this season, followed by defenseman Kevin Schulze (7g, 27a), and forward Jordan Kwas (15g, 16a) who round out the top three. In goal, Doug Carr has shouldered the bulk of the load, posting a 10-9-1-0 record along with a 3.56 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage
Inside the Series: Thursday will be the fourth and final meeting of the season between the two sides. Cincinnati has posted a 2-1-0-0 record in the first three games of the season series, and hold a slight 6-5 edge in goals scored.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati wraps up their three-in-three set on Friday night against the Indy Fuel. Friday marks the tenth of 12 meetings this season, with the Cyclones holding a 5-4-0-0 edge in the first nine games.
ALTERNATIVE FACTS:
Green Light from the Blueline: The Cyclones received some major offensive contributions from their defensive corps last week in Missouri, combining for three goals and six assists in three games. Leading the way was Saverio Posa with his first goal of the season along with a pair of assists, while both Eric Knodel and Craig Dalrymple each accounted for a goal and an assist, and Arvin Atwal dished out a pair of assists.
Cyclones Announce Roster Moves: The Milwaukee Admirals, American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones have released forward Shawn O’Donnell from his Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) and returned him to Cincinnati, while in a separate transaction, Cincinnati Cyclones Head Coach Matt Macdonald has announced that the team has traded forward Colin Mulvey to the Indy Fuel in exchange for forward Patrick D’Amico. O’Donnell appeared in six games with the Admirals, however did not register a point. Prior to his time in Milwaukee, he skated in 17 games with the Cyclones, accounting for six goals and eight assists along with 19 minutes in penalties. Mulvey has skated in 34 games this season, accounting for 11 points (7g, 4a) in that time. He enjoyed a successful month of January, totaling five goals and three assists in 12 games, while D’Amico is in his second pro season and has put up 16 points (6g, 10a) with the Fuel through 38 games this season. The Winnipeg, MB, native split his rookie season of 2014-15 between the Colorado Eagles and Atlanta Gladiators where he accounted for 15 goals and nine assists in 67 games.
It’s Good to be Home: After playing 11-of-12 games on the road in January, the Cyclones are getting ready to embark on a 12-of-16 stretch on home ice in February. The Cyclones are 10-6-4-0 at home this season, averaging 3.10 goals per game on in their first 20 home games. Cincinnati also boasts the League’s best penalty kill at home, having killed of 52/57 oppositional power plays (91.2%).
Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation Established: The Cincinnati Cyclones, along with team General Manager Kristin Ropp, have announced the creation of the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation. This brand-new extension of the Cincinnati Cyclones aims to help children in the Greater Cincinnati Area discover a love and a passion for the game of hockey. The primary focus of the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation will be to help underwrite and alleviate costs associated with playing hockey. Additionally, the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation aspires to provide much-needed ice time to local youth hockey players, be it at U.S. Bank Arena, or by underwriting ice time at any one of the hockey or skating facilities around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. A dual focus of the Cincinnati Cyclones Foundation will be to expose children from all over Greater Cincinnati to the game of hockey. Local-area children and hockey players will be afforded the opportunity to discover hockey by attending Cyclones games through group or team outings as well as school visits.
Defensive Front: The Cyclones currently boast one of the top defenses in the ECHL, as they currently rank seventh in goals allowed per game with 2.98 and third in shots allowed with 28.98 allowed per 60 minutes.
Holding the Lead: The Cyclones have made a habit of holding onto leads this season, as they are 14-1-3-0 when leading after 20 minutes, and 15-1-2-0 when leading after two periods of play.
Stay Connected!: Follow the latest news on Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and more! Also, for all of the latest news and notes, head over to www.cycloneshockey.com.
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!