CINCINNATI, Ohio – A two-goal performance from Chris Reed and a strong defensive effort contributed to a 3-2 win for the Cincinnati Cyclones (14-12-0-4) over the Wheeling Nailers (14-15-0-0) in front of 12,825 at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday night. The attendance was the second-largest in the club's regular season history and is the third consecutive year that the Cyclones have drawn more than 12,000 fans on Throwback Night.

After more than 13 minutes of scoreless hockey, Cincinnati finally got on the board when Chris Reed blasted in his career-high third goal of the season past Eric Hartzell (L, 13 saves, 7-5-0) from the left circle. The goal sparked a shower of teddy bears for the club's annual Teddy Bear Toss to benefit the Cincinnati Police Department. The Nailers threatened to knot things late in the frame with their first power play, but Rob Madore (W, 29 saves, 7-7-0-3) secured all ten shots he faced in the opening 20 minutes to keep his team ahead after one.

The middle period was much more offensive, as both teams were able to find the net twice. First, Josh Shalla sniped in his team-leading 14th goal of the season, beating Eric Hartzell through the legs at 2:42. Minutes later, Reed was able to strike again with a heavy slap shot from just inside the right point to earn his first-career multi-goal game at 7:27 - extending Cincinnati's edge to 3-0. The tally would spark a goalie change for the Nailers, who summoned Franky Palazzese (ND, 12 saves, 7-10-0) to replace Hartzell. The Nailers would begin their comeback bid, though, in the waning minutes of the frame as David Gilbert netted his eight of the year from the low slot at 11:28. Wheeling made it a one-goal game just before the break when Chaz Johnson's shot into the zone rebounded off the back-wall, off of Madore's back, and into the net. The lamplighter, which was Johnson's eighth of his campaign, made it a 3-2 game through 40 minutes.

The final third of the contest flipped back to a defensive affair as the Nailers attempted to find the game-tying strike. And although they enjoyed a third period power play and fired 11 shots at the net in the period, the Cyclones maintained their resolve and sealed off the final minutes to earn a 3-2 win.

After a week of practice, the Cyclones hit the road for a Friday night match-up against the Indy Fuel. The puck drop is set for 7:35pm with pregame coverage on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning at 7:15pm. Fans can also WATCH the game live at the Game Time Sports Bar & Grill in Cheviot.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, January 14 when they play host to the Evansville IceMen! The first 1,000 adults through the gates will receive an exclusive Cyclones t-shirt. Plus, all fans 21+ can enjoy $1 beers all night long! 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!

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