For Immediate Release: February 24, 2017
RUMPEL BACKSTOPS CYCLONES TO VICTORY
Cincinnati Earns Ninth Win in Last 12 Games
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (27-24-4-0) shutout the Wichita Thunder 2-0 on Friday night. Forward Shawn O’Donnell and defenseman Jaynen Rissling tallied the goals for the Cyclones, while goaltender Joel Rumpel was stellar in his first U.S. Bank Arena start, stopping all 27 shots he faced to collect the win.
Cincinnati drew first blood late in the opening period when O’Donnell took the puck off the left-wing wall, skated around the Wichita defense and in on goal where he tucked the puck around Thunder goaltender Drew Owsley to put the Cyclones ahead, 1-0.
That 1-0 lead held up throughout the remainder of the first period, and in the second Cincinnati picked up the offensive pressure and peppered Owsley with shots throughout the frame, outshooting the Thunder 15-4 in the period. Cincinnati extended their lead with 1:21 to go when defenseman Jonathan Diaby sent a pass to Rissling who drifted into the high slot and snapped a wrister in off the crossbar to give Cincinnati a 2-0 lead through two periods.
The third saw some stellar goaltending from both Owsley and Rumpel, as neither offense was able to find the back of the net. Despite a late Thunder push, Rumpel was perfect down the stretch, and preserved the 2-0 win.
The Cyclones welcome in the Indy Fuel on Saturday night in the finale of Cincinnati’s three-game homestand. Face-off is scheduled for 7:35pm ET.
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!
