CINCINNATI, Ohio – This years’ edition of the ‘Clones have proven thus far to be an aggressive and impressive squad. Offensively opportunistic as well as ready to rumble, they have started out of the gate unfazed by their opponents. 
*On October 20, the team downed the Trenton Titans in front of a home crowd in a 6-4 win. Opening the scoring and never relinquishing the lead, the club let the team from New Jersey have hope several times only to dash them in the end.
*On the road, the Cyclones continued their winning ways during a weekend series against the Elmira Jackals beginning the 26th. The Jackals took an early 2-0 lead on their guests from Ohio in the first stanza. 
The Cyclones answered in the second period on a tally by Garrett Wilson. The Jackals failed to score in the period, but maintained a 2-1 lead at its’ end. In the final period, the Cyclones defense stiffened and shut out Elmira, by scoring two goals and netting a 3-2 come-from-behind victory.
Saturday, the 27th, the teams met in a rematch with the Cyclones looking to remain undefeated in regulation. The Jackals scored first early in the period. 
The Cyclones suffered a major setback when Jonathan Hazen was sent to the sin bin for a boarding major. The ‘Clones redeemed themselves with a shorthanded goal as the period was about to end tying the score at one apiece.
The Elmira penalty kill unit is perfect (24 for 24 ) 100 percent to this point in the season, but the Cyclones have also failed to dent the net on the power play thus far. Elmira pulled ahead on a power play goal three quarters of the way through the second period. The period ended with the Cyclones behind 2-1.
At 10:54 of the third period, the Cyclones came from behind to knot the score at two apiece. The Cyclones were granted another power play on a hooking call against Elmira. The Jackals had now killed off 27 in a row and left the ‘Clones 0-for-11 on the weekend for the power play. 
Elmira was given a late power play, but to no avail as regulation ended in a 2-2 tie. Overtime ensued with the Jackals on the man advantage. It only took 39 seconds for the Jackals top rated power play to end the contest with a 3-2 win in their favor.
On the following Wednesday, the Kalamazoo Wings arrived at US Bank Arena. The first period was a scoreless defensive struggle as both squads sought an advantage. The middle frame brought out limited offense on both sides and ended in a 1-1 tie as the defenses again ruled the ice. The desperation level increased in the final stanza as the Michiganders took an early lead at 1:03 into the fray.
The Cyclones returned the favor mid period on a successful penalty shot awarded to defenseman Taylor Aronson. As time on the clock wound down, the offensive flurries became more intense until the Cyclones Garrett Wilson potted the game winner with just 38 seconds remaining.
*The Cyclones remain undefeated in regulation and have gained points in every contest thus far in the young season.
Contact the Author/Photographer at Rob.Huelsman@Prohockeynews.com
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