CINCINNATI, Ohio – Back at the Arena again for another ECHL season in the ‘Nati. Raising the past season’s Central Division Champions and Brabham Cup Champions banners to the delight of the home crowd. The atmosphere was charged and the fans were excited to begin a new campaign and another quest for a third Kelly Cup.
The first period was spirited as both squads got their ice legs and began to organize even strength rushes at the ‘Clones defense. In the first period, the Nailers solved netminder Michael Houser to tally a goal by former Cyclone Myles Powell at 14:21. The home team had several quality chances in the stanza, but was unable to find the inside of the twine.
Apparently the Wheeling locker room got the message going into the middle period, because their defense continued to thwart the ‘Clones mighty efforts to score. Several episodes of chippy behavior were observed and five-minute fighting majors resulted for Cyclone Jesse Schultz. Wheeling again found a way to get another puck past Houser at the 8:28 mark of the second on a tally by Willy Smith. As the period wound down, it looked bleak for the ‘Clones.
Coach Matt Thomas and Assistant Jason Payne lit a fire under their team in the second intermission. The Cyclones roared back in the final period to tie the score at two apiece on goals by Mason Mitchell and Andrew DeBrincat at 7:45 and 11:15 respectively. Now this is Cyclones Hockey!
This team has been known to be down six goals and has scored seven to win. Deeper into the period the comeback became a reality, as newly acquired forward John Edwardh beat Wheeling netminder Alex D’Orio to send the ‘Clones ahead for the first time at 14:06. Assists were given to Pascal Aquin and Tobie Bisson. Later, the Nailers sealed their fate and pulled D’Orio for an extra attacker, but Shaw Boomhower nailed the win down with an empty-netter.
Ah, the first W of the new season. Next, the ‘Clones embark on a road trip for a game against the Kalamazoo Wings, and then a pair against the Fuel in Indy the following weekend. The team returns home on October 30 to face the Florida Everblades.
Contact the writer/photographer: Rob.Huelsman@prohockeynews.com
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