Stevens Nets Winner in Overtime Thriller against the Knight Monsters
ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Stevens Nets Winner in Overtime Thriller against the Knight Monsters

Published on April 2, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


Stateline, NV - The Cincinnati Cyclones win a thriller over the Tahoe Knight Monsters, defeating the Mountain division club in a 4-3 final score at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. Sam Stevens served as hero, netting the game-winning goal to lift Cincinnati over Tahoe on Wednesday night.

Jake McGrew (21) got the first of the night, netting his 21st of the season to beat Ken Appleby and make it 1-0, Tahoe. Cincinnati would respond on an unassisted goal from Luke Grainger (16). His far-side finish left the game tied heading into the middle period.

Cincinnati would convert on their first power play of the series, with Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (21) getting a generous bounce off the bar and goaltender Jordan Papirny. His fifth power play goal of the season gave the Cyclones their first lead of the game, making it 2-1.

The Cyclones would get a third unanswered goal from Liam Kidney (2), who scored a beautiful goal after driving down the right wing and hitting a perfect shot to make it 3-1. Gabriel Bernier extended his point streak with his fifth assist of the season, making it five games in a row.

Tahoe would get one back late in the second period, with Kevin Wall (19) dangling past the Cincinnati blue line and beating Appleby on a backhanded finish.

The Knight Monsters would get one more just 3:10 into the final period, thanks to a sharp shot from Samuel Huo (1). His first of the season kickstarted a third period push from Tahoe, but the Cyclones held firm, and forced overtime against their out-of-division opponent.

Ken Appleby came up large in OT, making five saves for Cincinnati. Ryan Kirwan would feed Sam Stevens (14) on a back door feed, and the Montreal, Quebec native made no mistake. His goal gave Cincinnati their 12th overtime win of the season.

The Cyclones are now 12-4-0-0 in overtime, and 13-4-0-0 in games that go past 60 minutes. Cyclones are also 8-0-0-0 when scoring a power play goal and keeping the opposing power play off the scoresheet.

The Cyclones return for two more against Tahoe this weekend, starting with a Friday night showdown at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and can be streamed on FloHockey and the Cyclones Radio Network.

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. Subscribe to FloSports and watch every Cyclones hit, save, and goal live and on demand using this link today: https://flosports.link/4dVcToM.

Check out the Cincinnati Cyclones Statistics

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



ECHL Stories from April 2, 2026


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