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ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Hats off for Luciani, Cyclones as They Pound Wings 8-5

December 27, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - Anthony Luciani earned his first-career hat trick while Mathieu Aubin enjoyed a five-point night as the Cincinnati Cyclones (12-9-0-3) flew past the Kalamazoo Wings (16-11-0-2) by an 8-5 final score in front of 5,525 at U.S. Bank Arena on Tuesday night.

The Wings opened the scoring just 32 seconds into the first period as Taylor Ellington beat Cyclones goaltender Brian Foster (W, 30 saves, 6-1-0) through a screen to make it 1-0. However, Cincinnati roared back with three unanswered goals to pull ahead 3-1; Jonathan Hazen and Mathieu Aubin each buried shorthanded goals, Aubin's from just past the red line, followed by Justin Vaive's second tally of the season at the 16:10 mark. Kalamazoo managed to temporarily stop the bleeding with a power play goal at the 17:52 mark by Brian Haczyk, pulling the Wings within one. Yet, with just under a minute to play in the frame, Anthony Luciani buried a wrist shot through the legs of Kalamazoo net minder Maxime Clermont (L, 25 saves, 4-4-0) to give the Cyclones a power play goal and a 4-2 edge after 20 minutes of play.

The offensive trend continued in the middle frame as a combined four goals were scored between the two clubs. Ellington buried his second of the night with 1:27 gone to pull Kalamazoo within a goal at 4-3. Then, at 9:26, Dustin Cloutier potted the equalizer for his first professional goal, making it 4-4. However, just like in the first period, Cincinnati found more late offense; Luciani lit the lamp twice in the final 5:01 of the period to complete his first pro hat trick and give the Cyclones a 6-4 cushion through two periods.

The Cyclones continued their offensive ways early in the third as Aubin notched his team-leading third multi-goal game of the season at 3:37, making it 7-4. Then, at 16:12, Mike Pelech poked a loose puck to Evan Trupp in the slot who dangled past Clermont for an 8-4 lead. The Wings scored a late goal when Cloutier buried his second of the night with just 1:01 to play, capping off the scoring at 8-5. Cincinnati held on to win by the same score. It was the first time since January 14, 2009 that the Cyclones have put eight goals on the board in a single game.

"It was a wild one, that's for sure," said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. "We need to find success against [Chicago and Kalamazoo], and we have of late. It's really nice to get these points at home and it's great to see guys get rewarded for their hard work with some big nights."

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:

First Star: Anthony Luciani (3 goals for Cincinnati, first pro hat trick)

Second Star: Mathieu Aubin (2 goals, 3 assists for Cincinnati)

Third Star: Ryan Annesley (3 assists for Cincinnati)

Cincinnati will close out the 2011 portion of the calendar on Friday night when they visit the Toledo Walleye at 7:00pm. Fans can hear the game on the Cyclones Radio Network (1050-AM, America One) beginning at 6:45pm. That same night, there will also be a PBR Express Viewing Party at Mac's Pizza (205 W. McMillan St) where the Cyclones will raffle off a pair of seats on the special shuttle. More details are available online at CyclonesHockey.com.

The Cyclones will be back on the ice at U.S. Bank Arena next Wednesday, January 4 when they host the Greenville Road Warriors at 7:30pm. It will be another Wet Wednesday, with $1 PBR and Miller High Life flowing all night long! Secure your seats now by calling 513.421.PUCK or log on to CyclonesHockey.com. Fans can also get the latest team updates throughout the season on Facebook and Twitter (@CincyCyclones).

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