
Cyclones Win 3-2, Tie Series 1-1
April 23, 2022 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release
Toledo, OH - A pair of Justin Vaive goals in the first period helped the Cyclones edge Toledo by a 3-2 final, tying their best-of-seven series at one a piece.
Games 3-5 will be played at Heritage Bank Center, beginning Monday at 7:35PM.
- Cincinnati left a five goal first period up by one. Brandon Hawkins started the scoring just nine seconds into the contest, connecting with a wrist shot from the left circle to beat Sean Bonar.
- Vaive would tie the game 6:12 in, scoring his first of two goals in the period after chasing a rebound off the pads of Billy Christopoulos. Brandon Hawkins then gave the Walleye a 2-1 lead off a power play goal, but Luc Brown then tied the game once more just over a minute later, grabbing a rebound from the left side of the net to tuck through for his first career playoff goal.
- With 1:03 left in the first, Vaive crashed the net and used his skate to redirect a shot from Jesse Schultz, giving Vaive his second goal of the contest and giving Cincinnati its first lead of the series, going up 3-2.
- Despite being outshot 20-15 in the final 40 minutes, Cincinnati dictated the majority of play and held Toledo from getting back in the contest. The 'Clones nearly doubled their lead in the second after Patrick Polino swung a puck into the net out of mid-air, but the goal was waived off due to a high-stick.
- Sean Bonar earned his first playoff win as a professional. The 31-year-old turned aside 28 shots to help the Cyclones get their first win over the Walleye since November 24th.
The chase for the Kelly Cup starts now for the Cincinnati Cyclones! Playoff tickets are on sale NOW starting at $22 per seat for single game tickets and $20 per seat for groups of 20 or more. Call (513) 421-PUCK for tickets and more information, and stay on top of all the latest team updates and information on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
ECHL Stories from April 23, 2022
- Oilers Tie Series 1-1 with Balanced Performance - Tulsa Oilers
- Lethemon Stops 37 as Swamp Rabbits Down Everblades 5-3 to Even Series - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Nailers Coming Home with 2-0 Series Lead - Wheeling Nailers
- Hawkins' Two Goals Not Enough as Walleye Fall to Cyclones, 3-2 - Toledo Walleye
- Cyclones Win 3-2, Tie Series 1-1 - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Blades Rally Halted in 5-3 Setback - Florida Everblades
- Lions Fall in Game Two - Trois-Rivieres Lions
- Growlers Down Lions 6-2 to Take 2-0 Series Lead - Newfoundland Growlers
- Grizzlies Gameday: Game 2 of First Round Best of 7 Series - Utah Grizzlies
- ECHL Transactions - April 23 - ECHL
- ECHL Announces Fine, Suspension - ECHL
- Game Notes: Game 2 vs Allen - Rapid City Rush
- Hawerchuk's Goal Ignites Icemen to Thrilling Overtime Win in Game 2 - Jacksonville Icemen
- Lions Hope to Rebound in Game 2 Tonight - Trois-Rivieres Lions
- Everblades Look to Extend Lead in Game Two on Saturday - Florida Everblades
- Morning Tea: Rd. 1, Game 2 - Swamp Rabbits AT Everblades - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Game Day Preview: Americans at Rapid City, Game 2 - Allen Americans
- Flodell, Royals Shutout Maine to Take 2-0 Series Lead - Reading Royals
- Special Teams Lift Grizzlies over Oilers - Tulsa Oilers
- Strong 3rd Period Leads to Grizz 6-3 Victory - Utah Grizzlies
- Gravelle Strikes Late, Rush Take Game 1, 3-2 - Rapid City Rush
- Americans Lose Heartbreaker in Game 1 - Allen Americans
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Cincinnati Cyclones Stories
- Riley Weselowski Named Head Coach of the Cincinnati Cyclones
- Cyclones Announce Schedule Change for Two Games against Bloomington
- Cincinnati Cyclones Earn Six 2024-25 ECHL Team Award Nominations
- Cincinnati Cyclones Announce 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule
- Cyclones Announce 2025-26 Home Opener, First Face-Off Details

