ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Wings Cap off Rally Over Cyclones with 6-5 OT Win

Published on March 7, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
Cincinnati Cyclones News Release


KALAMAZOO, Michigan - Sam Ftorek lit the lamp at 1:17 of overtime to give the Kalamazoo Wings (32-21-2-5) a 6-5 come-from-behind victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones (29-21-2-7) in front of 5,093 at Wings Stadium on Wednesday morning.

The Wings used an early power play to jump ahead 1-0 as Kory Karlander lifted a shot over Cyclones goalie Brian Foster (OTL, 28 saves, 12-6-1-1) at 6:54. However, Mathieu Aubin potted a pair of goals just 1:31 apart beginning at the 9:31 mark to give Cincinnati a 2-1 edge at the first intermission.

Kalamazoo found the equalizer at the 12:52 mark of the second period when Darren Archibald grabbed a turnover in the Cincinnati end and sent a wrist shot past Foster. However, just 13 seconds later, Mike Pelech slammed a rebound past Wings goalie Maxime Clermont (W, 20 saves, 11-10-1-2) to give Cincinnati a 3-2 lead. Then, at 14:19, Matt Sicsa cut out from behind the Kalamazoo goal line and sent a turn-around shot over Clermont's shoulder to extend the Cyclones cushion to 4-2 after 40 minutes.

Early in the third period, the Cyclones grabbed a commanding 5-2 lead as David Leaderer took a shot from just inside the left circle and beat Clermont at 1:33. However, that would be the last time that Cincinnati would strike on offense and Kalamazoo began their comeback. After a loose puck was covered under Foster, Brian Haczyk forced the puck into the net. After initially signaling no goal, the officiating crew determined that the goal was to count and it was 5-3 at the 4:26 mark of the third. Kalamazoo pulled one strike closer at 10:42 when Elgin Reid's point shot redirected off of Cyclones defenseman Taylor Aronson and in, cutting the Cincinnati lead to 5-4. After pulling the goalie in the final minute, Kalamazoo defenseman Eric Kattelus came up with the puck and the Cincinnati blue line and sent a wrist shot through traffic and into the net, knotting the score with less than three seconds to play.

Just 1:17 into the ensuing overtime period, Sam Ftorek picked up a pass from Trent Daavettila just inside the Cincinnati zone and let loose a high wrist shot that beat Foster over the shoulder - giving the Wings an improbable come-from-behind victory, 6-5.

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

First Star: Eric Katteuls (1 goal, 1 assist for Kalamazoo)

Second Star: Sam Ftorek (Game-winning goal for Kalamazoo)

Third Star: Mathieu Aubin (2 goals, 1 assist for Cincinnati)

Cincinnati will now head south as they open a six-game swing through the South Division beginning Saturday night against the Gwinnett Gladiators. Fans can hear all the action of the tilt on the Cyclones Radio Network beginning at 6:50pm with the opening face-off to follow at 7:05pm.

The Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday, March 21 when they welcome in the Chicago Express at 7:30pm. It will be the final Wet Wednesday of the season, featuring $1 PBR and Miller High Life. In addition, a pre-game Pucks N Pinot wine tasting event will be 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).

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ECHL Stories from March 7, 2012


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