ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Pelech, Cyclones Burn Express in OT

Published on January 25, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


HOFFMAN ESTATES, Illinois - Mike Pelech buried the game-winning goal at the 3:41 mark of overtime to give the Cincinnati Cyclones (17-13-0-5) a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Chicago Express (17-16-5-2) in front of 1,237 at Sears Centre on Wednesday night.

The Express opened the scoring just 3:32 into the first period as Chad Painchaud sent a wrist shot past Cyclones net minder Brian Foster (W, 25 saves, 8-1-0), making it 1-0. Then, with less than a minute remaining in the frame, Pierre-Luc Faubert was the beneficiary of a Cincinnati turnover as he batted a puck out of mid-air into the net for a 2-0 Chicago cushion after 20 minutes of play.

Despite enjoying three power plays and outshooting the Express 12-4 in the middle stanza, Cincinnati was unable to beat Chicago goalie Peter Mannino (L, 32 saves, 1-2-1-1) as it remained 2-0 Express at the second intermission.

The Cyclones finally lit the lamp just 30 seconds into the third period when Mathieu Aubin blasted in his team-leading 16th goal of the year, cutting the Cincinnati deficit to one. The Chicago edge held until the 18:29 mark of the frame when Mannino misplayed the puck behind his own net where Rob Slaney was camping; Slaney stripped the Chicago net minder of the puck and wrapped in the game-tying goal as time wound down in regulation, sending the teams into overtime.

In the extra session, Aubin came up with a turnover at his own blue line and went in to the Chicago zone two-on-one with Mike Pelech. After receiving the pass from his captain, Pelech rushed into the left circle and buried the game-winner at the 3:41 mark to give the Cyclones a 3-2, come-from-behind win. It was the seventh time this season that the Cyclones had rallied to win and the second time this month they erased a two-goal deficit to earn a victory.

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

First Star: Mike Pelech (Game-winning goal for Cincinnati)

Second Star: Pierre Luc Faubert (1 goal for Chicago)

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

The two teams will part ways, at least for a couple of nights, as the Cyclones visit the Kalamazoo Wings on Friday night at 7:30pm. Fans can hear all of the action on the Cyclones Radio Network (1050-AM, America One) starting at 7:15pm.

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, February 1 as they welcome in the Toledo Walleye at 7:30pm. It will be another Wet Wednesday, where fans 21 and up can enjoy $1 PBR and Miller High Life! In addition, there will be another "Pucks N Pinot" pre game wine tasting event available for purchase. 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).

Check out the Cincinnati Cyclones Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from January 25, 2012


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.

OurSports Central