WHEELING 4, Cyclones 1 

WHEELING, West Virginia – The Wheeling Nailers utilized a pair of power play goals by Kyle Bushee and Dan Henningson to defeat the Cyclones by a 4-1 score in front of 2,018 at WesBanco Arena on Friday night.

The Nailers potted the only goal of the opening period, when Ben Street snapped a wrist shot over the glove-side shoulder of Jeremy Smith (L, 29 saves, 0-1-0) at the 14:08 mark.  Despite three first period power plays, including a one-minute five-on-three, the Cyclones were held off the scoreboard in the first frame.

The parade to the penalty box continued in the second period, as a combined 12 minutes of infractions were called between the two teams.  The difference, however, was the conversion rate.  The Cyclones were unable to net any of their three power play chances (including another two-minute, five-on-three), while Wheeling netted two of their man advantages in the middle period.  The first, at 10:15 of the second period, was scored by Kyle Bushee when he blasted a loose puck home just inside the Cincinnati blue line.  Then just over two minutes later, at 12:58, Dan Henningson fired a shot past a well-screened Jeremy Smith to make it 3-0 Nailers after 40 minutes of hockey.

Midway through the third period, the Nailers extended their lead to 4-0 when Mickael Bedard lit the lamp, with Henningson and David Marshall earning the assists.  However, the Cyclones avoided a shutout as Ryan Del Monte tipped home a Brad Schroeder point shot at the 17:49 mark for a power play goal, making in 4-1.  The Nailers would hold on to win by the same score.

Cincinnati finished the night 1-for-8 on the power play.  The Nailers were 2-for-6.

The same two teams will battle again tomorrow night in a final preseason tune-up at Northland Ice Center.  The puck drops at 7:30pm.  Prior to the game, there will be a Tailgate Party in the parking lot of the rink from 5:30-7:00pm.

The defending Kelly Cup Champion Cyclones open their home schedule on Saturday, October 30 at U.S. Bank Arena against the Wheeling Nailers.  Discounted ticket packages and single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are available now.  For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

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