For Immediate Release: March 17, 2016

CYCLONES DROP DEFENSIVE BATTLE IN OVERTIME

Cincinnati Falls in First of Three-Game Weekend

Cincinnati, OH- The Cincinnati Cyclones (32-22-4-3) fell to the Wheeling Nailers, 2-1 in overtime, on Thursday night. Forward Jack Downing scored the lone goal for the Cyclones.

After a scoreless first, the Nailers opened up the scoring in the second when a shot from defenseman James Melindy found its way into the net through heavy traffic, giving Wheeling a 1-0 lead.

That lead was short lived, as midway through the period Cincinnati pulled even when a monster hip-check from forward Tommy Mele jarred the puck off of a Wheeling defender’s stick, and Downing picked up the loose puck, skated in on goal, and wristed a shot past Nailers goaltender Brian Foster, tying the game, 1-1. 

The 1-1 score held up throughout the remainder of the second, and in the third, the Nailers turned up the offensive pressure, outshooting Cincinnati, 12-3, in the frame. Cyclones goaltender Brad Thiessen stood up to the test and preserved the 1-1 tie throughout the remainder of regulation thus forcing overtime.

In the extra session, the Cyclones got a couple of good looks on net, however 2:47 into overtime defenseman Mathew Maione netted the game winner for the Nailers, sending Wheeling to a 2-1 overtime win.

The Cyclones were outshot, 31-22 on the night, with Thiessen turning stopping 29 in the loss. Cincinnati wraps up the two-game homestand with the Nailers on Friday night, with the faceoff coming at 7:35pm ET.

The 2015-2016 season is underway! Your Cyclones are on the march towards another Kelly Cup Championship, and want you along for the ride! Be sure to check out one of our 2015-16 Ticket Packages, available NOW! Call 513.421.PUCK to reserve your seats. Fans can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), Instagram, and our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!