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ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Luciani's Late Goal Lifts Cyclones Past Greenville, 6-5

December 3, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


CINCINNATI, Ohio - Anthony Luciani's second goal of the night came with just 1:24 to play in regulation as he lifted the Cincinnati Cyclones (6-7-0-3) to a 6-5 triumph over the Greenville Road Warriors (11-8-0-0) in front of 4,785 at U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday night.

Mathieu Aubin stashed his team-leading seventh goal of the season at the 3:38 mark of the opening period when his back-handed shot beat Greenville goaltender Nic Riopel (L, 30 saves, 10-3-0-0) for a 1-0 Cyclones lead. However, Greenville answered back just a few minutes later, at 6:02, when Jeff Prough beat Cincinnati net minder Brian Foster (W, 32 saves, 1-0-0-0-) with a wrist shot to knot the score at one. Garret Suter and Chris Reed then followed at 10:58 and 14:18 respectively, to jump back out to a 3-1 lead. Just before the break, though, Greenville's Lee Baldwin stepped into a point-blast that eluded Foster again and pulled the Road Warriors to within a goal after 20 minutes of play.

In a wild second period, a combined five goals were scored between the two teams. Former Cyclone Brett Robinson led off the scoring in the middle frame at 6:32 to tie the game at three. However, just like in the first period, Cincinnati responded with a pair of goals. Anthony Luciani slammed in a rebound on a power play to push Cincinnati ahead 4-3 followed by Daniel Koger's fifth lamp-lighter of the season at the 7:27 mark to give Jarrod Skalde's team a 5-3 edge. Unfortunately, the Road Warriors answered back again with two quick strikes; Brendan Connolly scored goals at 12:45 and 15:39 to pull the teams into a 5-5 deadlock at the second intermission.

Neither team could find the break-even tally early in the third period despite a power play for each side. But with only 1:24 to play in regulation, Luciani worked his way down the left wing and back-handed a laser-accurate shot over Riopel's right shoulder to give Cincinnati a 6-5 lead. Greenville was given one last opportunity with the power play when David Leaderer was whistled for boarding at 19:48, but Cincinnati did not relinquish the lead, holding on to win 6-5.

"Luciani, has gotten better and better each game he has played," said Cyclones Head Coach Jarrod Skalde. "He has the knack for scoring big goals like he did tonight. When the game is tied, he's a guy you want to have on the ice. All in all, we'll take those two points in a game like that."

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

First Star: Anthony Luciani (2 goals, 1 assist for Cincinnati, game-winning goal)

Second Star: Daniel Koger (1 goal, 1assist for Cincinnati)

Third Star: Mathieu Aubin (1 goal, 1 assist for Cincinnati)

After a week of practice, the Cyclones will kick off a home-and-home series with the Toledo Walleye at the Huntington Center next Friday night at 7:00pm. Fans can hear all the action of the game on the Cyclones Radio Network (1050-AM, America One) beginning at 6:45pm.

The Cyclones will return U.S. Bank Arena next Saturday, December 10, when will host Throwback Night featuring $8 tickets, $1 John Morrell Hot Dogs, Donatos Pizza, Beer and Soda! In addition, the game will also be the 2011 Teddy Bear Toss where fans can toss a new or gently-loved stuffed animal onto the ice after the Cyclones score their first goal. All of the teddy bears donated will benefit the Cincinnati Police Department. 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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