For Immediate Release: April 16, 2016

MINELLA’S LATE-GAME HEROICS LIFT CYCLONES TO VICTORY

Cincinnati takes 2-0 Series Lead After Tight Affair

Ft. Wayne, IN- The Cincinnati Cyclones picked up a 3-2 win over the Ft. Wayne Komets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Forwards Andrew Yogan, Zach Budish, and Christiaan Minella scored the goals for the Cyclones, who lead the best-of-seven series, 2 games to 0.

After the Komets took a 1-0 lead after the first on a goal from forward Garrett Thompson, the Cyclones’ special teams continued its hot play from Game 1 as a blocked shot slid out to center ice, and Yogan picked up the puck and skated in on a shorthanded breakaway and snapped a wrister past Komets goaltender Pat Nagle to tie the game, 1-1, 8:45 into the second.

The Cyclones struck once more in the frame with a little less than three minutes remaining, when Minella took a shot that rang off the post and bounced right to Budish who took a pair of whacks at the puck and stuffed it into the net, giving Cincinnati a 2-1 advantage through two periods.

The Komets turned up the offensive pressure in the third, and with less than six minutes left they managed to tie the game on a goal from forward Kyle Thomas, pulling the score even at 2-2.

The Komets continued to pressure Cincinnati down the stretch in the third, forcing Cyclones netminder Brad Thiessen to make a number of big saves to preserve the 2-2 tie.

With just 32 seconds remaining the Cyclones secured their 2-0 series lead, when forward Joe Wilson sent a pass from the right side to Minella in the high slot, and he blasted a one-timer past Nagle to give the Cyclones a late 3-2 lead, and the eventual win.

The Komets outshot Cincinnati, 33-20, with Thiessen turning aside 31 to collect the win. The Cyclones return home for Game 3 against the Komets on Wednesday night. 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!