Cyclones Blow Away Wings, 5-2

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Brett Robinson had a pair of goals while Dylan Hunter and Brian O’Hanley each had a goal and and assist to lead the Cincinnati Cyclones (7-5-3-1) to a 5-2 win over the Kalamazoo Wings (7-5-1-1) in front of 4,589 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.
For the first time since November 3, the Cyclones allowed the opposition to net the game’s first goal. During a Kalamazoo power play, Jordan Fulton tipped home a blue-line blast that beat Cyclones goalie Marc Cheverie (W, 27 saves, 6-2-1-1) for a 1-0 Wings lead through 20 minutes.
Cincinnati responded in a big way in the second period, scoring a trio of goals in the span of 6:16. Brian O’Hanley blasted home his fourth goal of the season to knot things at one. Then, at the 7:22 mark, Matt Pierce deflected home an O’Hanley slap shot for his fourth tally of the season. Just 40 seconds later, Brett Robinson’s shot redirected off of a skate and slid past Wings goalie Riley Gill (L, 32 saves, 4-1-0) for a 3-1 Cyclones cushion after two periods.
Kalamazoo pulled within a goal early in the third when Andrew Fournier batted home a rebound past Cheverie on the power play, making it 3-2. Luckily, Cincinnati was able to keep the foot on the gas by scoring two more goals. Brett Robinson tallied his second of the game when he poked home a loose puck from underneath Gill, extending the Cincinnati lead to 4-2. Dylan Hunter added an empty netter from 60 feet to seal the 5-2 Cyclones victory.
The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1. Adam Bartholomay (First point as a Cyclone…an assist)
2. Brian O’Hanley (2 points, 1 goal and 1 assist)
3. Brett Robinson (2 goals, including the game-winner)
Jarrod Skalde’s team will enjoy a few days off before hitting the road for a four-game, three city trip beginning next Wednesday against the Reading Royals. The mid-week game can be heard live on CyclonesHockey.com beginning with Cyclones Warm Up at 6:45pm. The opening face-off from the Sovereign Center is at 7:00pm.
The defending Kelly Cup Champions return to U.S. Bank Arena on Friday, December 3 for the opener of a two-game set with the Florida Everblades at 7:30pm. In addition to $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, the first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a Cyclones poster. It’s also Weiner Dog race night, with an intermission race featuring some local Tri-State canines. 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.
To view tonight's box score, click here.