TC Cyclones improve playoff chances

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Southern Professional Hockey League’s 2008-09 race for playoff spots has one competitor that would have been dismissed as not having much of a chance earlier this season. Struggling over the first part of the campaign, the Twin City Cyclones posted a record of 4-9-2 in their first 15 games. Contrast that record with their performance over their last 15 games a record of 10-4-1.  
The first place Knoxville Ice Bears have separated themselves from the rest of the league, taking an 11 point lead in the standings as of February 5. However, with about 20 games left in the regular season for all teams, the last three playoff slots are very much unsettled. Pleasantly for Twin City fans after their early season struggles, the Cyclones are in  contention.  
While the race for the last three playoff slots is so close it is impossible to determine how it may end, Cyclones fans have what all team boosters want – a chance to control their own destiny.  

There are many factors that have gone into the Cyclones turn around. As with most sports resurgences, it is hard to indentify the intangibles that help create momentum which comes and goes sometimes without a real explanation. Observers however can point to some of the tangible factors that have sparked the Cyclones.

In early November Twin City elevated Sean Cowan from his assistant coaching position into the role of General Manager of the Cyclones.   The move allowed fourth year Coach Mark Richards, who previously filled both the GM and coaching slots, to concentrate solely on the on-ice performance of the team.

 

Working closely with Richards, Cowan took on the day-to-day business management,

SPHL%27s Sher-Wood Player of the Month for January-Michael Richard. (Photo courtesy Twin City Cyclones)

player signings and related movements in his new role. The addition of defenseman Russell Smith, who was recently promoted to the IHL, the reacquisition and signing of last years’ SPHL Rookie of the Year Taylor Hustead and the recent pickups of former Cyclone Josh Piro and the very experienced Bogdan Rudenko are examples of Cowan’s efforts in the front office.

Coach Richards has been able to devote full attention to coaching and in turn there has been improvement in overall team performance.   Allowing Richards to concentrate on player and game management without the distraction of off-ice business has been a major contributor to the Cyclones’ resurgence.
His players have responded, especially in the month of January. For example, forward Michael Richard was named the SPHL’s Sher-Wood Player of Month for the January. He was on fire, scoring 23 points in 13 games on 12 goals and 11 assists.  Hustead and forward Donald Melnyk were on their own scoring streaks, each contributing 16 points in the 13 games they played. Meanwhile, Kevin Druce in goal, with the help of an improving defense led in January by Phil Sbrocchi and Russell Smith, went 7-2-1 including a winning streak of six straight games.
SPHL fans in general are the beneficiaries of the great playoff race. Additionally, the race and the Twin City resurgence have had

an immediate positive impact locally. The team’s performance and front office emphasis on “selling” the Cyclones locally has boosted average attendance by 440 fans per game.
Each remaining contest promises to be especially intense given their importance. For example, starting on February 6^th the Cyclones next four games includes away action at Richmond and Fayetteville and home games against Huntsville and Fayetteville.
Nothing is more exciting than watching teams in what old timers call “a four point game” because of the swing a win creates when you play your immediate competition. The Cyclones are hoping to capitalize on the opportunity.
Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com