For Immediate Release: October 14, 2017
CYCLONES CANNOT COMPLETE COMEBACK IN THRILLING SEASON OPENER
Cincinnati Overcomes Two-Goal Deficit, Fall in Overtime
Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (0-0-1-0) fell to the Kalamazoo Wings, 3-2 in overtime, on Saturday night. Forward Justin Vaive and defenseman Brycen Martin tallied the goals for the Cyclones.
The Wings wasted little time finding the back of the net in this one, jumping out to a 2-0 lead midway through the frame on goals from defenseman Eric Kattelus and forward Kyle Blaney.
The Cyclones were not deterred and cut the lead in half while on the power play late in the first, when a shot from defenseman Eric Knodel was turned aside by Kalamazoo goaltender Joel Martin, however Vaive was on the backdoor to slam in the rebound to cut Kalamazoo’s lead in half, 2-1.
That 2-1 score held up throughout the remainder of the first, and in the second the physical play increased as the teams exchanged some big hits as well as some extra curriculars after the whistle.
Cincinnati managed to pull even with the Wings with a little less than five to play in the frame, when a pass from forward Daniel Muzito-Bagenda found Martin who snapped a shot off the crossbar and in past Martin to tie the game, 2-2, after 40 minutes.
The third period saw a multitude of Grade A scoring chances exchanged by both sides, as well as a continuation of the physicality from the second. With neither side able to net the go-ahead goal, the teams headed into overtime.
In the extra session, Cincinnati continued to apply the pressure offensively, while the Wings received some quality chances of their own. With one minute remaining in overtime, Kalamazoo had the final say, when defenseman Jon Jutzi put the game-winner past Cyclones netminder Anthony Peters to send the Wings to a 3-2 overtime win.
The Cyclones were outshot, 34 27 on the night, with Peters stopping 25 in the loss. Cincinnati takes the ice next Saturday in Wheeling against the Nailers. Faceoff is slated for 7:05pm ET.
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!
