CINCINNATI, Ohio – Byron Froese's shorthanded strike in the third period proved to be the game-winner as the Cincinnati Cyclones (4-1-0-0) defeated the Indy Fuel (2-4-2-1) by a 3-1 final score in front of 3,037 at U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night.

The North Division rivalry got off to a physical start, as a total of 28 penalty minutes were handed out in the opening frame. However, neither team found the net despite collecting five shots apiece.

The Fuel finally broke the stalemate at 6:43 of the middle period when Brett Perlini had a loose puck bounce to his stick and promptly collected his second goal of the season, beating Rob Madore (W, 16 saves, 2-1-0-0) to make it 1-0. Cincinnati answered back, though, at 9:13 as Josh Shalla sniped a shot past Mac Carruth (L, 21 saves, 0-1-1-1) right off of a face-off to even things at one. The teams would remain deadlocked after 40 minutes.

Cincinnati took their first lead of the game courtesy of the penalty kill early into the final stanza; after poking a puck loose from the defender, Byron Froese raced up the ice and exchanged a two-on-one with Zach Budish. After initially passing it off, Froese got a return feed from Budish in the left circle and slammed in the shorthanded goal at 6:36 to give the Cyclones a 2-1 edge. As the game wound down, Indy's comeback effort proved futile as they pulled the goaltender in the final minute - only to see Stephan Vigier bury and empty-netter with four seconds to play. The tally, Vigier's team-leading fourth of the season, sealed a 3-1 win for the Cyclones.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena TOMORROW NIGHT when they play host to the Wheeling Nailers at 7:30pm! It will be Frozen Night featuring a visit from some princess friends, a kids singalong, and much more! Call 513.421.PUCK to secure your seats and for more details. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram!

Click here for tonight's box score