For Immediate Release: February 14, 2020
CYCLONES FALL IN OPENER OF HOMESTAND
Third Period Pressure Not Enough to Overcome Nailers
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (29-14-7-1) dropped a 5-3 decision to the Wheeling Nailers on Friday night. Forwards Ben Johnson, Brady Vail, and Jesse Schultz scored the goals for the ‘Clones.
After the Nailers took a 1-0 lead just 47 seconds in on a goal from forward Renars Krastenbergs, Cincinnati evened the contest at the 12:16 mark when Johnson hammered home a shot to even the game, 1-1. A little more than two minutes later, the Nailers power play gave Wheeling the lead back when forward Alec Butcher beat Cyclones netminder Jamie Phillips to put Wheeling back up, 2-1.
The momentum was short-lived, as with 57 seconds remaining in the period Cincinnati responded with a power play goal of their own when Vail took a pass from defenseman Justin Baudry and blasted a shot in from the left side to re-tie the game, 2-2, after 20 minutes.
In the second the Nailers turned up the offense and exploded for three goals from forwards Yushiroh Hirano, Nick Saracino, and Cam Brown, to skate out to a 5-2 lead after two periods.
The Cyclones turned the tide in the third period, outshooting Wheeling 17-6 in the period. Cincinnati cut their deficit to a pair 5:25 into the fame when Schultz took a pass from forward Justin Vaive following a face-off win by Johnson, and he spun a shot in past Wheeling goaltender Alex D’Orio to trim the deficit to 5-3.
Cincinnati kept peppering the Nailer net with shots, however D’Orio remained perfect throughout the remainder of the frame to preserve the 5-23 Wheeling win. The Cyclones outshot the Nailers, 31-29, Phillips stopping 24 in the loss.
The Cyclones welcome in the Indy Fuel on Saturday night, with the face-off set for 7:35pm ET.
The 2019-20 Cincinnati Cyclones season is upon us! The defending Brabham Cup champion Cyclones are looking to build off of last season’s success, and we invite YOU to join us for the ride! Single game tickets, along with season and group ticket packages for every game this season are on sale now, and you can get more info 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!
