For Immediate Release: October 27, 2017
Game 3 (Road Game 2)
Vs. Ft. Wayne Komets (2-1-0-0, 4 PTS)
Friday, October 27, 2017 - 8:00pm ET
War Memorial Coliseum - Ft. Wayne, IN
Overview: The Cyclones head back out on the road for the first of two games this weekend, starting tonight in Ft. Wayne. The Cyclones are coming off a 4-2 loss last Saturday night to the Wheeling Nailers, however have played the fewest games of anyone in the ECHL at two.
Saturday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (0-1-1-0) fell to the Wheeling Nailers, 4-2, on Saturday night. Forward Justin Danforth and defenseman Eric Knodel netted the goals for the Cyclones. The Cyclones were outshot by the Nailers, 39-32, with Cincinnati netminder Anthony Peters stopping 35 in the loss. Goaltender Jason Kasdorf appeared in the final 5:01 of the game due to a broken skate for Peters, however he did not see a shot.
10/14 First Face-off Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (0-0-1-0) fell to the Kalamazoo Wings, 3-2 in overtime, on Saturday night. Forward Justin Vaive and defenseman Brycen Martin tallied the goals for the Cyclones. The Cyclones were outshot, 34 27 on the night, with goaltender Anthony Peters stopping 25 in the loss.
Previewing Ft. Wayne: The Komets’ offense has been on display throughout the first two games of the season, outscoring their opponents 14-17 and outshooting them 105-71 over that span. Most of the Komets’ goals have come during the first period, as they have an 8-3 advantage through the first 20 minutes. Leading the way offensively is forward Marc-Olivier Roy, who has five points (2g, 3a) through the first three games. He is followed by four four-point scorers in team goals leader Tyson Fawcett (4g), forwards Garrett Thompson (2g, 2a) and Ralph Cuddemi (1g, 3a), and defenseman Cody Sol (4a). In goal, former Cyclone Michael Houser has appeared in two games and has a 2-0-0-0 record along with a 2.00 goals-against average an a .917 save percentage.
Inside the Series: Tonight marks the first of nine meetings this season between the Cyclones and Komets, The two teams met eight time in 2016-17, with the Komets posting a 5-1-1-1 record. Cincinnati will make three more trips to Ft. Wayne this season.
Next Game Preview: The Cyclones wrap up their two-game weekend tomorrow in Kalamazoo against the Wings. Kalamazoo took the first meeting of the season between the two on October 14, 3-2 in overtime, and will face off five more times.
NEED-TO-KNOW
Early Season Power Surge: The Cyclones are tied for second in the ECHL with a 33.3% conversion rate (3-for-9) through two games this season. Defenseman Eric Knodel has done most of the Cyclones’ damage on the man advantage, ranking second in the ECHL in defenseman power play scoring with three points (1g, 2a).
Cyclones Add Nylen and Fortman: The Cyclones signed defensemen Mitch Nylen and Geoff Fortman to Standard Player Contracts (SPC) for the 2017-18 season. A native of Lawrenceville, GA, Nylen is coming off of a successful collegiate career at Sacred Heart University, appearing in 141 games over four years, and totaling 12 goals and 48 assists in that time. He also served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons. He was also teammates with current Cyclones forward Justin Danforth all four years. He turned pro following his time with the Pioneers, skating in a pair of games for the South Carolina Stingrays late last season. Hailing from Crystal Lake, IL, Fortman has appeared in a pair of games this season for the Southern Professional Hockey League’s (SPHL) Peoria Rivermen, accounting for a goal and an assist in that time. He made his professional debut last season with the Rapid City Rush, totaling four goals and four assists in nine games played. Prior to turning pro, Fortman enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Canisius College, appearing in 137 games and tallying three goals and 24 assists in that time. He also served as team captain during his senior season on 2016-17, and assistant captain during his junior campaign in 2015-16.
Cyclones Re-sign Barrett: The Cyclones have re-sign forward Mike Barret. Barrett was signed by the Cyclones in the offseason, however was released following training camp. Barrett was signed in the offseason by the Cyclones, however as released following Training Camp. He recently wrapped up a successful collegiate career at the College of Holy Cross, accounting for 99 points (44g, 55a) in 147 career games for the Crusaders. His best year offensively came during his senior year this past season, as he ranked second on the team and 18th in the conference in scoring with 27 points (11g, 18a). He recorded his lone collegiate hat trick in his fourth-to-last game back on February 24, in a 5-4 win over Bentley. He also served as an assistant captain during his senior season.
Stephens and Vaive Recalled: The Rochester Americans, American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones, have recalled defenseman Devante Stephens. Stephens has appeared in both games for the Cyclones this season, however did not register a point. In addition, Vaive has been signed to a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) with the Belleville Senators. Vaive has appeared in both of Cincinnati’s games this season.
HITTING THE ROAD: The Cyclones will get familiar with the road early this season, with five of their first six, and eight of their first 10 games coming away from U.S. Bank Arena.
LEADERSHIP GROUP ANNOUNCED: Last Friday, The Cyclones announced the leadership group for the 2017-18 season. As decided by a team vote, this season’s captain will be defenseman Eric Knodel, and serving as assistants will be forwards Justin Vaive and Shawn O’Donnell. Knodel was the captain at the University of New Hampshire during his senior year, while O’Donnell previously served as an assistant captain in college at St. Mary’s University in Canada.
WELCOME BACK: The Cyclones season-opening roster includes seven players from the 2016-17 season, including three of their top five and five of their top 10 scorers. This season’s returners include Shane Walsh, who ranked second on last year’s team in scoring, followed by Shawn O’Donnell who was fourth and Brandon McNally in fifth. New captain Eric Knodel placed eighth in team scoring in 2016-17, while forward Dominic Zombo came in 10th and defenseman Arvin Atwal was 13th prior to his season being cut short due to injury. Forward Rob De Fulviis accounted for three points last season, along with accounting for 36 minutes in penalties in 26 games played.
NEW AFFILIATION: This offseason, the Cyclones, in conjunction with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Buffalo Sabres, announced a new affiliation agreement. For Cincinnati, the move comes following a 10-year partnership with the Nashville Predators, while the Sabres recently concluded a two-year relationship with the now-defunct Elmira Jackals. This affiliation will be a reunion of sorts for the cities of Cincinnati and Buffalo, as the Sabres’ American Hockey League (AHL) Affiliate from 1971-1974 was the Cincinnati Swords. The Rochester Americans will serve as Cincinnati’s new AHL affiliate, and have been the AHL affiliate of the Sabres since 2011. This is not the first time Cincinnati and Rochester have been affiliated, as the two clubs teamed up in 2010-11 when the Americans were affiliated with the Florida Panthers.
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 2017-18 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want YOU along for the ride! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones single game tickets, ticket packages, and Season and Group Tickets! Also, stay on top of the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
