For Immediate Release: April 1, 2016

CYCLONES PLAYOFF BOUND DESPITE ROAD LOSS

Cincinnati Heads to Post Season for Eighth Time Since 2006

Evansville, IN- The Cincinnati Cyclones (35-25-5-4) fell to the Evansville IceMen, 5-3, on Friday night. Forward Nick Huard tallied a pair of goals, while defenseman Cody Carlson chipped in one for Cincinnati. Despite the loss, the Cyclones have clinched a spot in the 2016 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs by way of the Tulsa Oilers falling to the Quad City Mallards tonight.

After the IceMen took a 1-0 lead after the first period on a power play goal from defenseman Chris Rumble, Evansville struck twice more early in the second, receiving goals from forwards Alex Wideman and Jordan Sims to give the IceMen a 3-0 lead, 7:41 into the frame.

It did not take long for the Cyclones’ offense to come to life, as with less than four minutes left while on the power play, Carlson fired a shot from the point that bounced off of the end boards to Huard who stuffed the puck into the net, cutting Cincinnati’s deficit to 3-1.

Roughly two minutes later Cincinnati pulled to within a goal when a pass from forward Zach Budish found Carlson sneaking down the back side and he deposited it into the net, cutting Evansville’s lead to 3-2.

Cincinnati continued to fire on all cylinders, and with two seconds remaining in the frame, forward Levko Koper sent a stretch pass to Huard and he skated in on goal and wristed it in to tie the game, 3-3, after two periods.

The momentum was short lived for the Cyclones however, as the IceMen struck for a pair early in the third from Rumble on the power play, and forward Andrew Harrison to take a 5-3 lead, 2:54 into the final frame.

The Cyclones continued to battle and received a number of quality scoring chances throughout the remainder of the third, however they could not tie the game, and Evansville held on for the 5-3 win. Cincinnati outshot Evansville, 51-25 on the night, with goaltender Andy Iles stopping 20 in the loss.

This will be the eighth time since returning to the ECHL prior to the 2006-2007 season that the Cyclones will be participating in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Cincinnati won the Kelly Cup in 2008 and again in 2010, and made a third trip to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2014.

Cincinnati wraps up the home portion of the 2015-2016 season on Saturday night against the Toledo Walleye. Faceoff is slated for 7:35pm ET.

The 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs are right around the corner! 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 2016 Kelly Cup Playoff 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!