Cyclones have busy week at home

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cyclones faced off first against an aggressive Toledo Walleye squad mired in last place in the North division. This does not mean that they are taken lightly but the team from the north came to the Queen City looking to avenge the previous home loss to the ‘Clones. Scooter Smith and his mates came out strong and put a hurting on the Cyclones from the opening face-off. They overwhelmed netminder Marc Cheverie crashing the crease and scoring a 5-2 win which dropped the Cyclones from first place in the division. The Cyclones had power play opportunities, but again the unit looked and played disorganized, never setting up properly in the offensive zone.

Walleye – Scooter Smith

The Walleye penalty killers were very effective in blunting the ‘Clones chances. Next up was a mid-week tilt with bitter rival Reading. The Royals scratched and clawed throughout the game, while the Cyclones battled valiantly to keep the score a tie. At one point, a full line donnybrook broke out in the Royals end involving every player except the goaltenders. The on-ice officials had a rough go, trying to restore order and sanity, and eventually prevailed. However, in the stands it was a different story as some “fans” began throwing beer as it was a “wet Wednesday” promotion and these people took that literally.

Royals – Ben Scrivens

The game ended in a tie in regulation and overtime ensued. Both clubs battled furiously during the four-on-four, but no scoring occurred during the five minutes. The Royals prevailed in the shootout, gaining the extra point to the chagrin of the Cyclones faithful. Again the Cyclones defense looked stout, as Brian O’Hanley, T.J Fast, Benn Olson, Brock Sheahan, Kevin Roeder and crew held the Royals at bay. Marc Cheverie was in net again for the loss. The offense generated some opportunities, but couldn’t overcome Reading netminder Ben Scrivens, in the one-on-one phase of the game.

Cyclones Brock Sheahan

The weekend began a two-game series with the division leading Wheeling Nailers. Friday night the Cyclones seized upon their opportunities and answered the early score by the Nailers. With the score knotted after one period, the home squad buckled down and went to work in the following stanzas. Recent returnees from AHL Rochester, Ryan DelMonte and Matt Pierce, scored for the ‘Clones to give them the edge needed for the critical win and return to first place in the North. Again Cheverie was in goal and the defense was steadfast in controlling the West Virginians scoring chances. The power play unit squandered their chances yet again, but the penalty killers were stellar in the defensive zone.

Annual Teddy Bear Toss for Charity

Saturday night was the annual “Teddy Bear Toss” promotion at US Bank Arena. This charity event is a favorite of the fans every year. First place in the division was again on the line, as the Nailers and Cyclones battled for the second night in a row. Defenseman Brian O’Hanley celebrated his birthday this night as well. The Cyclones unfortunately came out on the short end of this game, as the Nailers came on strong and scored too many goals for the ‘Clones to overcome in the third period. These are not the comeback kids of last year who frequently overcame three goal deficits to put a W on the board.  

Cyclones – Matt Pierce

  On another note, goaltender Chet Pickard has been reassigned to the Cyclones from AHL Milwaukee. Also a player from the Florida Everblades was arrested while in town for skipping out on his cab fare, after a post game celebration and is due back in town next week for his time in court. Also as it is time for the Christmas Holiday I would like to wish all Y’all a very Merry one and a Happy New Year’s Celebration. Contact the author/photographer at Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com