For Immediate Release: March 20, 2019
CYCLONES CLAIM CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
Cincinnati Earns First Divisional Crown Since 2012-13
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (46-10-4-3) claimed the ECHL Central Division Title with a 4-1 win over the Wheeling Nailers on Wednesday night. It marks the first divisional crown since the 2012-13 North Division title. Defenseman Kurt Gosselin led the way with a pair of goals, while forwards Jesse Schultz and Myles Powell netted lone goals for the Cyclones, who push their winning streak to six games.
Cincinnati took a 1-0 lead midway through the first, when forward Alex Wideman attempted a wrap-around, but the puck slid through the crease to Schultz on the back door, and he tapped it into put the Cyclones on top, 1-0.
Cincinnati took their 1-0 lead into the locker room after the opening period, and in the second tacked on another while on the power play when Gosselin jammed in the rebound following a point shot from defenseman Eric Knodelto give the ‘Clones a 2-0 lead.
The Nailers were not deterred and netted their League-leading 19thshorthanded goal of the season when forward Michael Phillps jammed in a shot shorthanded to trip Cincinnati’s deficit back to a lone goal, 2-1, after 40 minutes.
Cincinnati’s power play struck again when Gosselin banked a shot off a defender’s skate and in past Wheeling goaltender Matt O’Connor to lift the ‘Clones to a 3-1 advantage, 4:29 into the final frame.
The Cyclones sealed the game with 1:19 left when Powell sent a backhander from the left circle into the empty net to send Cincinnati to a 4-1 win and the ECHL Central Division Championship.
Cincinnati outshot the Nailers, 34-21 on the evening, with goaltender Ty Rimmer stopping 20 in the win. Cincinnati wraps up their five-game homestand on Thursday night against the Toledo Walleye. Face-off is slated for 7:35pm ET.
The 2018-19 season is HERE, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want YOU along for the ride!Single game, Group, and Season Tickets are on sale NOW by calling (513) 421-PUCK! Stay on top of all the latest team updates and information on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
