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Wheeling Nailers

Nailers vs. Cyclones Game Day Snap Shot

October 10, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release


Wheeling Nailers (2013-14: 39-27-1-5, 84 Pts) vs. Cincinnati Cyclones (2013-14: 41-23-4-4, 90 Pts)

WHEELING NAILERS

2013-14:

(39-27-1-5, 84 PTS, 2nd Atlantic, 6th East)

216 GF, 196 GA

PP: 16.3% (40-for-245), 10th

PK: 84.5% (246-for-291), 13th

15-F-Zack Torquato (14 goals, 38 assists, 52 points in 44 games)

27-F-Carter Rowney (13 goals, 31 assists, 44 points in 39 games)

18-F-Max MacKay (17 goals, 25 assists, 42 points in 60 games)

98-F-Chaz Johnson (13 goals, 21 assists, 34 points in 64 games)

10-F-Tyler Fernandez (13 goals, 12 assists, 25 points in 54 games)

14-D-Paul Cianfrini (1 goal, 15 assists, 16 points in 66 games)

29-G-Franky Palazzese (27-23-9 record, 2.97 GAA, .916 Sv% in 60 OHL games)

CINCINNATI CYCLONES

2013-14:

(41-23-4-4, 90 PTS, 2nd North, 5th East)

247 GF, 204 GA

PP: 14.7% (39-for-265), 17th

PK: 81.8% (184-for-225), 17th

25-F-David Pacan (13 goals, 32 assists, 45 points in 65 games)

9-F-Michael Neal (16 goals, 16 assists, 32 points in 56 games)

23-F-Brian Nugent (14 goals, 9 assists, 23 points in 51 games)

55-F-Byron Froese (11 goals, 10 assists, 21 points in 25 games)

18-F-Wade Megan (13 goals, 7 assists, 20 points in 16 games)

12-D-David MacDonald (2 goals, 12 assists, 14 points in 60 games)

29-G-Rob Madore (17-12-1 record, 2.73 GAA, .908 Sv% in 32 games)

Head-to-Head

Season Series: Nailers 6, Cyclones 6

Season Series at WesBanco Arena: Nailers 3, Cyclones 3

All-Time Series: Nailers 54, Cyclones 53

All-Time Series at WesBanco Arena: Nailers 29, Cyclones 24

Hockey is Back at the Banco

For the first time in almost five months, fans will get the opportunity to see their Wheeling Nailers play a home game at WesBanco Arena. The 2014 preseason begins on Friday night, as the Nailers play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones. Both teams are coming off of successful campaigns in 2013-14, as Cincinnati reached the Kelly Cup Final, before bowing out to Alaska in six games, while Wheeling won its first playoff series in three years, sweeping South Carolina in four games. The most significant offseason change for either team took place with the Cyclones, as Matt Macdonald became Cincinnati's third head coach in three years, taking the place of Ben Simon, who advanced to the AHL.

Same Players, Different Numbers

There are currently 26 players on Wheeling's preseason roster, and while fans may do a double take when it comes to Friday's uniform numbers, the faces will bring back pleasant memories. 14 of the 26 players suited up in at least one game with the Nailers in 2013-14, and one other called Wheeling home during a prior season. While those numbers indicate an experienced group, there is also a sizeable crop of rookies, as nine of the remaining 11 players have yet to record 25 professional games under their respective belts. ECHL preseason rules allow teams to dress 20 (18 skaters, 2 goalies) players per game.

Madore is Adored

One of the key members to last season's deep playoff run for Cincinnati was goaltender Rob Madore, who took home Kelly Cup Playoff MVP honors, despite the fact that Alaska won the title. At 26 years old, Madore enters his third full season of professional hockey, following a four-year collegiate career at the University of Vermont. While fans of the Cyclones certainly appreciate his efforts between the pipes, the netminder has local ties in the area, as he was born in Pittsburgh. Andrew Blazek, Phil Bushbacher, Byron Froese, Joe Howe, Devon Krogh, David MacDonald, Wade Megan, Brian Nugent, and Chris Reed are other returning players from the 2014 Eastern Conference Champions.

Partners in the Preseason

For the fourth time in the last five years, the Nailers and Cyclones will meet up in the preseason. 2013 was the lone exception during that time, as Cincinnati opted for a different exhibition docket, playing a pair of games against the Alaska Aces in Anchorage. Without its typical foe on the schedule, Wheeling had variety in 2013, battling Elmira, Fort Wayne, and Reading. Dating back to 2010, the home team has been victorious each of the last six preseason clashes, including a 9-3 triumph by the Nailers on October 7th, 2012. This preseason, Wheeling will host both games, with the second and final tuneup tilt taking place on Sunday afternoon at 5:05.

Division Rivals Once Again

From 2006-11, Wheeling and Cincinnati were able to refer to one another as divisional rivals, only to have the Nailers move to the Atlantic Division from 2011-14. Despite only four head-to-head meetings on the schedule for the upcoming season, the two sides are once again reunited in the same division. Historically, the series between the Nailers and Cyclones has been nearly even, as Wheeling holds a slim 54-53 edge entering the year. Last season, the two sides locked horns 12 times, with both clubs capturing six wins and 13 points. For those looking to break the tie from 2013-14, the Nailers outscored the Cyclones 8-6 during the final weekend of the regular season, giving them a 34-32 advantage in the season series.

Check out the Wheeling Nailers Statistics

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