For Immediate Release: December 9, 2017
Game 22 (Home Game 10)
Vs. Tulsa Oilers (8-8-3-3, 22 PTS)
Saturday, December 9, 2017 - 7:35pm ET
U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
Overview: Cincinnati continues their six-game home stand on Saturday night against the Tulsa Oilers. The Cyclones are coming off a 5-3 loss to the Orlando Solar Bears on Thursday night, completing the two-game sweet of Cincinnati.
Thursday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (12-8-1-0) fell to the Orlando Solar Bears, 5-3, on Thursday night. Defenseman Eric Knodel, along with forwards Brandon McNally and Mike Barrett netted the goals for the Cyclones. Cincinnati outshot the Solar Bears, 30-19 on the night, with goaltender Jason Kasdorf stopping 14 in defeat.
Tuesday Night Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (12-7-1-0) fell to the Orlando Solar Bears, 5-2, on Tuesday night. Forwards Rob De Fulviis and Jesse Schultz lit the lamp for Cincinnati. The Cyclones outshot Orlando, 25-24 on the night, with goaltenders Jonas Johansson and Jason Kasdorf combining to stop 19 in the loss.
Sunday Afternoon Recap: The Cincinnati Cyclones (12-6-1) fell to the Brampton Beast, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon. Forwards Justin Danforth and Winston Day Chief netted the goals for Cincinnati, who see their five-game winning streak halted. Cincinnati outshot Brampton, 34-33 on the afternoon, with netminder Jonas Johansson stopping 30 in a losing effort.
Previewing Tulsa: The Oilers wrap up a three week, 14 game road trip in Cincinnati on Saturday night, and are coming off a 5-2 win over the Toledo Walleye on Friday night. The Oilers have dropped nine games on their current road trip, however four have come via overtime or shootout losses. Forwards Evan Richardson and Joey Sides lead all active Oilers in scoring with six goals and 10 assists each, followed by forward who has accounted for 10 goals and four assists. In goal, rookie Devin Williams has compiled a 5-2-2-0 record along with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.
Inside the Series: Saturday will be the second all-time meeting, and the first of two contests this season between the Cyclones and Oilers. Cincinnati and Tulsa met once during the 2015-16 season, with Cincinnati taking a 3-0 decision on February 23, 2016.
Next Game Preview: Cincinnati continues their season-long six-game homestand on Wednesday evening against the Ft. Wayne Komets, who will be making the first of four scheduled trips to U.S. Bank Arena this season. Cincinnati and Ft. Wayne have already met twice this season, with Cincinnati winning both contests.
NEED-TO-KNOW
Atwal Reassigned to Cincinnati: Defenseman Arvin Atwal has been reassigned to Cincinnati by the Rochester Americans; American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Cyclones. Signed to a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) on November 16, Atwal skated in a pair of games for the Americans, dishing out an assist and racking up 17 minutes in penalties. He has appeared in 11 games for the Cyclones this season and has accounted for a goal and three assists in that time.
First for the Kid: Cyclones rookie forward Mike Barrett recorded his first professional goal in Thursday’s 5-3 loss to the Orlando Solar Bears.
Justin Vaive Returns: Cyclones forward and assistant captain Justin Vaive has been returned from the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Belleville Senators. He skated in six games with the Senators, however did not record a point. He skated in two games with Cincinnati at the beginning of the season, lighting the lamp once in that time. He has spent the majority if his pro career in the AHL, accounting for 31 goals and 36 assists in 280 games. He has appeared in 62 ECHL games and has totaled 41 points (19g, 22a) in that time.
We’re Going Streaking!: Cyclones forwards Justin Danforth and Shawn O’Donnell are both riding lengthy point streaks. Danforth has points in nine straight games, accounting for six goals and seven assists in that time. O’Donnell is currently on a seven-game point streak, and has tallied three goals and seven assists in that time.
Filling the Net: The line of Justin Danforth, Shawn O’Donnell, and Jesse Schultz have led the Cyclones offensively this season, accounting for 67 points (29g, 38a) through the first 21 games this season, including four goals and three assists last weekend in Brampton against the Beast.
Secondary Scoring: Cincinnati’s second and third lines, along with the defensive corps, have made major contributions offensively in recent games, accounting for nine goals and 13 assists over the last eight outings. Leading the way is forward Rob De Fulviis who has four goals, followed by defenseman Devante Stephens who has accounted for four assists in that time.
Amongst the Best: The Cyclones have a pair of players on ECHL leader boards entering Thursday. Forward Shawn O’Donnell is tied for sixth in League scoring with 24 points (9g, 15a), while rookie forward Justin Danforth is tied for the rookie lead in both goals (12) and points (24).
Reaching New Heights: Cyclones forward Rob De Fulviis has set a new career-high in goals and points with six tallies on the season. The Toronto, ON, native recorded a goal and three assists in 26 games with the Cyclones last season.
Limited Opportunity: Cincinnati is fifth in the ECHL with 2.71 goals against per game. The Cyclones have allowed two or fewer goals in five of their last nine games, and have given up more than three goals on just five occasions.
Finishing What They Started: The Cyclones have a 9-1-0-0 record when leading through two periods this season. This is a continuing trend from last season, when the Cyclones were 23-1-3-1 when leading after one, and 26-1-2-0 when leading after 40 minutes.
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, 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!
