CINCINNATI, Ohio – Matt Caruana netted the game-winning goal in the shootout to give the Reading Royals (16-8-0-0) a 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones (10-9-5-2) in front of 2,356 at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday night.  It was the third time this season that Cincinnati was involved in a shootout.

The Cyclones took a 1-0 lead at 17:46 of the first period when Scott Reynolds buried his eighth of the season after catching a beautiful cross-ice pass from Barret Ehgoetz.  Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s defense played their stingiest period of the season in the opening frame, outshooting the Royals 14-1 in the first 20 minutes.  In fact, Reading didn’t record their first shot until the 17:10 mark of the stanza.

Reading found the game-tying goal on the power play at 7:26 of the second period when Rob Kwiet blasted home his first of the season past Cyclones goalie Marc Cheverie (L, 14 saves, 9-5-2-2).  Little did they know it then, but that would be the last we would here from either team’s offense during regulation play.  For the third time in as-many meetings, the Cyclones and Royals went into the extra session.

In overtime, Cincinnati put three shots on net but was unable to score – pushing the teams into a shootout to decide the game.  Unfortunately, Reading found goals from four of their five shooters while the Cyclones were only able to muster shootout goals from Barret Ehgoetz and Ryan Del Monte, giving the Royals the extra point and the win.

It was Cincinnati’s ECHL-high tenth overtime game this season.  Their record in extra-time slips to 3-7.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1.    Matt Caruana (Goal in shootout, assist for Reading)
2.    Scott Reynolds (Lone goal for Cincinnati)
3.    Marc Cheverie (14 saves for Cincinnati)

The defending Kelly Cup Champions welcome in the Wheeling Nailers for a two-game weekend set at U.S. Bank Arena starting Friday night at 7:30pm.  The first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a Cyclones Kelly Cup Champions Flag.  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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