KALAMAZOO, Michigan – The Kalamazoo Wings (17-16-2-2) scored a pair of goals in both the first and second periods en route to a 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones (16-16-5-2) at Wings Stadium on Friday night.

The newest Cyclone, forward Jon Higgins, gave his team a 1-0 lead when Wings goalie Ryan Nie (W, 26 saves, 13-10-2-2) misplayed the puck behind the net – allowing the rookie to easily slam home his first professional goal at the 5:19 mark.  Unfortunately, the Wings countered with back-to-back goals at 15:21 and 16:47 respectively; Darryl Lloyd wristed home his fifth goal of the year past Cyclones goalie Marc Cheverie (L, 30 saves, 12-8-2-2) followed by a power-play tally for Andrew Fournier to give Kalamazoo a 2-1 lead through 20 minutes.

The Wings added to their lead right out of the gate in the second period as, just 1:40 in, Patrick Asselin tapped in a power play goal during a five-on-three.  The Wings then made it 4-1 at the 6:35 mark when Sam Ftorek stepped into the left circle and wristed home his 8th goal of the year through Cheverie’s legs.  After two periods, the Wings held a 4-1 lead.

In the third, Kalamazoo played suffocating defense, despite several great Cincinnati scoring chances.  Barret Ehgoetz was able to find the net for the Cyclones as he potted a rebound for his 8th of the year, pulling his team within a pair.  However, the Wings would snuff out a few Cincinnati opportunities in the final minutes to seal the 4-2 victory.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1.    Andrew Fournier (1 goal, 1 assist for Kalamazoo)
2.    Patrick Asselin (Game-winning goal for Kalamazoo)
3.    Sam Ftorek (1 goal for Kalamazoo)

The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena tomorrow night, as these same two teams meet for a 7:30pm opening face-off.  It’s another Kids Eat Free Night where fans ages 2-12 will receive a free meal courtesy of John Morrell and Sunkist.  Additionally, the first 2,500 fans through the gates will receive a Cyclones Team Poster.  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.

Click here for tonight’s box score.