CYCLONES FALL IN ROAD OPENER
For Immediate Release: October 21, 2017
CYCLONES FALL IN ROAD OPENER
Cincinnati and Wheeling Engage in Physical Battle
Wheeling, WV- The Cincinnati Cyclones (0-1-1-0) fell to the Wheeling Nailers, 4-2, on Saturday night. Forward Justin Danforth and defenseman Eric Knodel netted the goals for the Cyclones.
The Cyclones drew first blood late in the first while on the power play, as good puck movement resulted in Jesse Schultz feeding Danforth who rifled a shot past Nailers goaltender Colin Stevens from the slot, putting Cincinnati ahead, 1-0, through 20 minutes.
Cincinnati’s power play struck once more early in the second, when forward Shawn O’Donnell fed Knodel at the point, and he blasted a slapshot in past Stevens to put Cincinnati up by two, 2-0.
The physicality picked up throughout the remainder of the period, as the teams combined for 24 minutes in penalties in the frame. The physical play was highlighted by a fight between Cyclones forward Brandon McNally and Wheeling forward Cody Wydo, following a hit from behind by Wydo on Knodel.
The Naliers’ offense came to life in the second as well, getting a power play marker from forward Cam Brown and an even strength tally from forward Reid Gardiner to tie the game, 2-2, after the second.
The Cyclones tilted the pace of play back in their favor in the third, receiving numerous scoring chances in the first 10 minutes. Despite the offensive pressure, Wheeling took a 3-2 lead at the 13:25 mark when forward Derek Army found the back of the net.
Cincinnati continued to apply the pressure, however an empty net goal from former Cyclone forward Kenny Ryan sealed Wheeling’s 4-2 loss with less than a minute left.
The Cyclones were outshot by the Nailers, 39-32, with Cincinnati netminder Anthony Peters stopping 35 in the loss. Goaltender Jason Kasdorf appeared in the final 5:01 of the game due to a broken skate for Peters, however he did not see a shot.
The Cyclones continue their five-game road trip next Friday in Ft. Wayne against the Komets. Faceoff is slated for 8:00pm ET.
The 2017-18 season is underway, and the Cincinnati Cyclones want YOU along for the ride! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones single game tickets, ticket packages, and Season and Group Tickets! Also, stay on top of the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
