Cyclones Hope To Rebound After Last Year

CINCINATTI, Ohio – Last season the Cyclones fell short of their goal in defense following their 2010 Kelly Cup win. As the 2011-12 season starts, the club begins another chase to the playoffs. The reworked roster is an effort to enhance the offensive firepower that appeared to be lacking during the last campaign. Additionally, Coach Jarrod Skalde added Andrew Cassels as his new assistant behind the bench. The team continues with their AHL affiliations in the Milwaukee Admirals and newcomers San Antonio Rampage. NHL clubs Nashville and Florida remain their primary parent organizations.
As another regular season begins on the road in Kalamazoo, versus the formidable K-Wings, the club seeks the chemistry to return to the top. Watching their rivals from Michigan raise the division and conference championship banners should help in the motivation department.
OFFENSE -The team is in a rebuilding phase with many new players to the organization. Some problems with passing and knowing where teammates were can be chalked up to inexperience playing together. This was evident in the pre-season game at US Bank Arena. The power play looked more like a scramble than an organized unit, though the first goal scored was a power play tally.
DEFENSE – The Defense appeared solid at times and porous at others. Defensive pairings are not solidified yet, but overall, the defense seemed ahead of the offense on the learning curve against the Nailers. The penalty kill unit was a good and even killed off a crucial third period 5 on 3.
GOALTENDING – Having two net minders new to the squad can be a toss-up at the beginning of the season. How the tandem will work out is frequently a mystery in the early part of the season, until they get some regular season game experience.
COACHING – Jarrod Skalde and Andrew Cassels have a lot to prove, as they retool the Cyclones for battle this season. With two Kelly Cup banners in the rafters, the home crowd expects excellence and solid play. Some popular players did not return this season and skepticism reigns among the faithful.
PREDICTION – Following some early season fits and hiccups, the team will settle down and have a solid run at a playoff spot. How far the team goes into the playoffs will depend upon goaltending and offense.
Contact the writer and photographer at Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com