CINCINNATI, OH – The North Division race was often a neck-and-neck sprint to the finish. On any night a loss could propel a team several places downward in the standings. Often during the last month of the regular season the top five teams were separated by six points or less. Wheeling started the season as the division front runner and thus the team to beat. But Cincinnati and the other north division teams fought hard for the division in a rivalry which is frequently fueled by animosity and a strong desire to beat the opponent to a pulp while scoring goals aplenty. Cyclones coach Chuck Weber knows what a rough n’ tumble in division schedule was just completed. The Cincy squad battled through injuries to key players, poorly timed call-ups, and players who decided to return to college. Yet despite it all the club managed to repeat as division champions during the regular season. Wheeling has fought the ups and downs of this intense division of seven teams trying for the top this year. The Nailers began the first half on fire as division leaders. The race began tightening up in late January and by mid-March it was a five-way scramble not to fail behind the pace and end up like the Johnstown Chiefs, outside looking in on the final day of the regular season. The Nailers way to success was led by ECHL Rookie of the Year Bryan Ewing who scored 96 points this past season for the West Virginians.
Photo by Rob Hueslman
OFFENSE- Wheeling scored 263 goals this season to the Cyclones 256, and remained at or near the top of the division most of the year. Cincinnati had many cooks producing mixtures of goals and assists with rookie Mark Van Guilder and Matt Syroczynski adding some consistency through the year. Ewing was a big part of the Nailers success as a rookie while Jordan Morrison chipped in 27 goals as well.
EDGE- Wheeling
DEFENSE- Cincinnati allowed 231 goals while Wheeling surrendered 260 goals to opponents. In a tight series this could be a telltale stat.for the winner. The Cyclones can explode for goals just seconds apart on turnovers and weren’t too generous in their own end most games. The Nailers allowed almost as many goals as they scored, not a good thing against an aggressive checking team such as the Cyclones. Cincinnati notched come from behind wins regularly the last month of the season helping to secure the division crown. Wheeling battled for the fourth seed with Johnstown trying to make the playoffs.
EDGE- Cincinnati
SPECIAL TEAMS-The Cyclones power play unit has improved greatly from the beginning of the season but it did not compare favorably to last year’s standards. The penalty kill was ranked dead last away from home ice most of the season. Early in the season Wheeling dominated on special teams against the ‘Clones. Cincinnati has won the last three meetings between the two teams as the special team play leveled out as the season went along. ..
EDGE- Toss-up
GOALTENDING- A side-by-side comparison reveals that the Nailers Curtis Darling worked more games, played more minutes and faced more shots than the Cyclones Ryan Nie did this year. Nie, however, turned in more wins, shut-outs, and had a much better goals against average.
EDGE- Cincinnati
COACHING-Chuck Weber has the Cyclones in the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row, and has a playoff record of 22-10. Nailers Coach Greg Puhalski is dead equal at 12-12, and has Wheeling in the playoffs for the 9th time since 1992.
Photo by Rob Hueslman
EDGE-Cincinnati Overall impression–The Cyclones may not be the Beast of the North this year but still remain dangerous when playing desperate hockey. Coach Weber has his team peaking and playing his system well at the right time. Wheeling comes knocking at the door in a strong position to continue their early season dominance given the season series. This will be a closely contested series with the winner having made the most of the opportunities given them.
Contact rob.huelsman@prohockeynews.com.
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