For Immediate Release: April 1, 2017
CYCLONES WIN BIG IN REGULAR SEASON HOME FINALE
Big Third Period Paves The Way for Victory
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (36-29-4-0) earned a 5-3 win over the Toledo Walleye on Saturday night, in the final home game of the 2016-17 season. Forwards Nick Huard, Justin MacDonald, Seth Ambroz, and Christiaan Minella, along with defenseman Martin Lefebvre scored the goals for the Cyclones, who are now tied for the fourth and final playoff spot in the ECHL’s South Division.
The Cyclones drew first blood in this one with just over two minutes to play on the opening period when Huard took the puck at the top of the left circle and hammered a slapshot in past Toledo goaltender Cal Heeter to put the Cyclones ahead, 1-0.
Cincinnati added to their lead with eight seconds left in the frame when defenseman Eric Knodel sent a pass to Lefebvre at the center blueline, and he blasted a shot in to give the ‘Clones a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Walleye were not deterred and managed to tie the game after the second, on goals from forward Carter Sandlak, and a power play marker from forward Evan Rankin.
The Cyclones came out firing in the third and regained the lead just 3:11 in when defenseman Jonatan Diaby sent a pass to MacDonald who buried it past Heeter to put Cincinnati up, 3-2.
The special teams got into the mix midway through the frame when Ambroz forced a turnover at the center red line while shorthanded, and skated in to the offensive zone where he backhanded a shot over the shoulder of Heeter to push Cincinnati’s lead to 4-2.
That lead became 5-2 with less than four minutes remaining when MacDonald sent a pass to Minella at the offensive blueline, and he barreled in on goal and scored, 17:26 into the final period.
Toledo managed to tack on one more from forward Dane Walters, however it was not enough and the Cyclones held on for the 5-3 win. The Cyclones were outshot, 32-19 on the night, with goaltender Michael Houser stopping 29 in the win.
Cincinnati heads to Indy on Sunday to take on the Fuel. Face-off is slated for 3:05pm 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!
