CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Reading Royals (11-6) jumped out to a 2-0 lead and never looked back as they defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones (9-8) by a 3-1 final score at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday night. The loss for Cincinnati eliminated them from the Kelly Cup Playoffs, as the Royals took the best-of-seven series 4-1

After a scoreless first period, the Royals were first to light the lamp. At 7:08 into the middle frame, Ian O’Connor fired a wrist shot from the right circle that sailed under goaltender Michael Houser’s (L, 17 saves, 9-8) right arm and into the net. Reading Forward Kirk MacDonald followed that strike at the 11:29 mark by scoring a shorthanded goal through Houser’s legs on a partial breakaway. Dan Eves finally got the home team on the scoreboard with less than four minutes remaining in the second. The Cincinnati forward found the puck on the left side of the crease during a large scrum and lifted it over net minder Riley Gill (W, 23 saves, 9-3). Reading carried its 2-1 lead into the second intermission.

T.J. Syner gave the Royals an insurance goal with 8:56 expired in the final stanza on a turnaround shot from the low slot. In the final minutes, Cincinnati pulled Houser in an attempt to rally. Unfortunately, they would not find the net again as the Royals sealed the series with the 3-1 triumph.

The Cyclones Radio Network Stars of the Game are as follows:

First Star: Kirk MacDonald (Game-winning goal for Reading)
Second Star: Riley Gill (23 saves for Reading, Winning Goaltender)
Third Star: Dan Eves (1 goal for Cincinnati)

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena in mid-October to kick off the 2013-14 season! The year begins with the Power Play 5K Run/Walk on October 19. For details, visit CyclonesHockey.com/5k. Season ticket packages are also on sale now! Call 513.421.PUCK or visit CyclonesHockey.com to secure your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the offseason on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

Click here to view tonight's box score