CINCINNATI CYCLONES (24-22-6-3)

vs.

READING ROYALS (35-15-2-3)

DATE: Wednesday, March 2, 2011
TIME: 7:30pm
SITE: U.S. Bank Arena - Cincinnati, OH
RADIO: None
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (American One)

NHL AFFILIATES
Cincinnati Cyclones: Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators
Reading Royals: Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins

NEXT HOME GAME
Saturday, March 5 vs. Toledo Walleye - 7:30pm
Kevin Roeder Kids Jersey T-Shirt Night - The first 2,500 fans ages 2-12 receive a FREE Kevin Roeder Kids Jersey T-Shirt courtesy of Sun Drop.

TONIGHT'S MATCHUP:  The Cyclones open up a busy week as they’ll play four games in five days beginning tonight against the ECHL’s best team - the Reading Royals.  Cincinnati remains in the third place spot in the North Division standings, sitting just four points back of the Wheeling Nailers for second.  The Royals have taken all three meetings from the ‘Clones this season - including a pair of overtime wins in late November.  Tonight will be the final time the two teams meet in the regular season.

TONIGHT'S PROMOTION:  Wet Wednesday - $1 PBR and Miller High Life and $1 City Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches.

SCOUTING THE ROYALS:  Reading comes into U.S. Bank Arena tonight sporting the ECHL’s best record, 35-15-2-3 and lead the Atlantic Division by a staggering 18 points.  Not surprisingly, they’ve also found great success against the North Division, winning 14 of 17 combined meetings.  Andrew Sarauer is the Royals’ active leader in scoring, posting 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists) in 44 games.  Ryan Cruthers has also been among team
leaders in offense - averaging more than a point per game this year.  Goaltender Matt Dalton has assumed the starting role for Reading of late and has earned a 14-8-1 record with a 2.86 goals-against average.  

Northern Lights:  After facing the Royals tonight, it will be a North Division-filled weekend...as the Cyclones play three games in three days.  On Friday, they’ll visit the struggling Wheeling Nailers for the
final time in the 2010-11 regular season.  Wheeling has dropped its last nine games (0-8-0-1) and have slipped in to second place in the North division standings.  The ‘Clones will then host Toledo on Saturday night at U.S. Bank Arena before traveling up to Kalamazoo for a Sunday matinee with the first-place Wings.

Another New Face:  On Monday, the Florida Panthers acquired the minor league rights to second-year forward Jake Hauswirth, who was under contract with the Washington Capitals.  Since he’s now a member of the Panthers, they have assigned him to the Cyclones.  In 37 games this year with the Stingrays, Hauswirth has 14 points (10 goals, and 4 assists).

Counting ‘Em Down:  The Cyclones are rapidly approaching the end of their 2010-11 home schedule.  Including tonight, Cincinnati plays only five more games at U.S. Bank Arena during the regular season.  

SEASON SERIES (4 Meetings - 1 Remaining)
Nov. 24 Cincinnati 3 at Reading 4 Final OT
Nov. 26 Cincinnati 3 at Reading 4 Final OT
Dec. 15 Reading 2 at Cincinnati 1 Final SOL OT
Mar. 2 Reading at Cincinnati 7:30 pm EST