CINCINNATI CYCLONES (0-1-0-0)

vs.

READING ROYALS (1-0-1-0)

DATE: Saturday, October 22, 2011
TIME: 7:05pm
SITE: Sovereign Center - Reading, PA
RADIO: Cyclones Radio Network (1050-AM)
WEBCAST: CyclonesHockey.com (America One)

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

NEXT HOME GAME
Saturday, November 5 - 7:30pm vs. Chicago Express
OPENING NIGHT

TONIGHT'S MATCHUP: Cincinnati will continue its season-opening five-game road trip this weekend as they invade two Atlantic Division opponents. Tonight, they’ll face last year’s champion of that division as well as the team that knocked them out of the playoffs, the Reading Royals. Since returning to ECHL play in 2006, the Cyclones have a 15-7-3 record at the Sovereign Center. It will be the only time during the 2011-12 regular season that Cincinnati visits the Sovereign Center.

SCOUTING THE ROYALS: Reading took home the Atlantic Division crown last year after posting a 44-23-2-3 record, finishing 19 points ahead of the Elmira Jackals. Larry Courville’s club is returning eight players from last year’s squad, including a trio of their most dangerous weapons Yannick Riendeau, Ryan Cruthers, and Matt Caruana. The Royals will have a new duo between the pipes in 2011-12; former Toledo Walleye goaltender Joe Palmer comes to Reading after a 10-14-1 season with a 4.17 goals-against average. In addition, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mark Owuya will play in his first season in North American hockey. Last year, Owuya posted the Swedish Elite League’s best save percentage (.927).

The Rule of Three’s: If last year’s numbers are any indication, holding the opponent to three goals or less is critical. In 2010-11, when Cincinnati held its opponent to that mark, they compiled an astonishing 30-5-6 record. In addition, when the Cyclones scored four or more goals, they were 17-1-1.

Not So Royal Pains: The Cyclones have had great success against Reading over the years. Since 2006, Cincinnati owns a 30-15-5-4 overall record against the Royals, and have gone 15-7-3 at the Sovereign Center.

A Royal Reunion: Tonight former Reading Royal and now Cyclones forward Rob Slaney will make his return to the Sovereign Center for the first time as a visitor. A year ago with Reading, Slaney posted 24 points (7G, 17A) in 61 games. He also contributed 4 points in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

The 100 Club: Cincinnati forward Matt McIlvane will play in his 100th game as a professional tonight against the Reading Royals. However it will only be his second-ever ECHL game.

SEASON SERIES (2 Meetings)
Oct. 22 Cincinnati at Reading 7:05 pm EDT
Nov. 18 Reading at Cincinnati 7:35 pm EST