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jevers
Administrator
USA
1367 Posts |
 Posted - 01/15/2012 : 9:02:54 PM
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WHEELING, West Virginia – Chris Barton’s goal in round three of the shootout proved to be the game-winning strike as the Wheeling Nailers (20-13-2-1) came from behind to earn a 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Cyclones (15-12-0-5) in front of 2,342 at WesBanco Arena on Sunday afternoon
The Cyclones raced out of the gate to a 2-0 lead early in the first period; Anthony Luciani tucked in a goal just 1:50 into the game followed by a power play tally by Garrett Wilson, as he tipped in a Luciani shot at 15:03. It was the first time Cincinnati’s power play had converted since January 6. The Nailers answered late in the first, with 18:07 gone, when Peter Lenes’ wrist shot beat Cyclones net minder Brad Fogal (SOL, 26 saves, 1-2-0-2) – cutting the Cincinnati lead to 2-1 after 20 minutes.
The Nailers found the equalizer early in the middle frame when Matt Lombardi buried a shot from just inside the right circle, making it 2-2 at the 7:03 mark. However, the Cyclones pulled back ahead again as Jonathan Hazen slammed in his seventh goal of the season past Nailers goalie Patrick Killeen (W, 32 saves, 11-9-2-1) just 43 seconds later to give the Cyclones a 3-2 edge after two periods.
Like last night, the Nailers found a way to tie the score in the third period as Olivier Dame-Malka sent a cannon-blast through Fogal at the 6:33 mark, making it 3-3. Neither team was able to score again in regulation nor in overtime, despite the Nailers being handed a late power play, so the teams decided the contest in a shootout.
Both first round combatants scored goals, Matt Lombardi for Wheeling and Mathieu Aubin for Cincinnati. However, the Aubin tally would be the last time the Cyclones would light the lamp. Chris Barton’s third-round goal proved to be the game-winner as Killeen stopped Jonathan Hazen’s offering in the final round to seal the 4-3 victory.
The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
First Star: Chris Barton (Game-winning goal in the shootout for Wheeling)
Second Star: Peter Lenes (1 goal, 1 assist for Wheeling)
Third Star: Anthony Luciani (1 goal, 1 assist for Cincinnati)
After a few days off for the ECHL All-Star Break, the Cyclones will return to U.S. Bank Arena on Friday night, January 20, when they welcome in the Chicago Express at 7:30pm. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a Cyclones Lunchbox/Cooler courtesy of City BBQ. Fans will also be able to enjoy $1 City BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches! 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).
http://www.cycloneshockey.com/news/545/nailers-rally-to-beat-cyclones-in-shootout-4-3/
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Reggie Dunlop
(The Next Level!)
USA
399 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2012 : 6:56:39 PM
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It was too bad to see the Cyclones blow an early two goal lead. I went to Wheeling to watch this game live and noticed a lot struggles in their own zone. They couldn't clear the puck and made numerous turnovers in their own end. Fogal did a good job keeping them in it.
The Cyclones' power play is abysmal most times. They really need to work on something new that gives then opportunities (perhaps an umbrella).
In the third period they were gassed from three games in three nights. And whenever they go to a SO, I get a sinking feeling. |
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elvis77
(Loves To Post!)
1435 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2012 : 09:51:36 AM
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| I've been saying this about the defense all season. The strong defensive "numbers" are all based on puck possession and forechecking limiting the oppositions chances. When the opponents do establish offensive zone pressure the Cyclones really struggle. And while the Cyclones may not allow to many shots, but the ones they do give up are usually very high quality chances and more often than not leaving the goalie hung out to dry. |
"PBR can do that to you....1,2,3,12 beers and you're f**ked"
-oscar
"and i don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation" - joan jett
"beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy." - benjamin franklin
"is that a pulled pork sandwich i smell?"
"some things are just better without pants...."
www.cycwords.wordpress.com |
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Woodrow
(The Next Level!)
119 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2012 : 02:30:58 AM
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| That's exactly how the Nailers have played this year too, Elvis. They can control the puck for extended amounts of time but have defensive breakdowns when the opponent sustains offensive pressure. They'll give up 4 goals on 17 shots and you can't put the blame on the goalie. |
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elvis77
(Loves To Post!)
1435 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2012 : 11:04:23 AM
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| @Woodrow - The Nailers beat writer Shawn Rine reported the Nailers have been put up for sale. I hope someone steps up and is able to keep them around. From what I've read over the years, WesBanco Arena hasn't been giving them a very favorable lease, so maybe a new owner could negotiate a better lease to get the team more financially stable. |
"PBR can do that to you....1,2,3,12 beers and you're f**ked"
-oscar
"and i don't give a damn 'bout my bad reputation" - joan jett
"beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy." - benjamin franklin
"is that a pulled pork sandwich i smell?"
"some things are just better without pants...."
www.cycwords.wordpress.com |
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Hakeedude
(Been Here Awhile)
524 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2012 : 12:22:55 PM
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| One problem is the entire Wheeling area is so depressed (financially and emotionally- so many people looking so sad) paired with their ticket prices that start at $13 and rise from there. I wonder if they have had any "Throwback" nights were ticket prices were cheaper, say about $8 or so. If their attendance markedly increased on that night, it would least be a barometer for a new owner to determine whether their is enough interest in Wheeling to sustain a team. Woodrow, what has the attendance been on their home games in Johnstown? |
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Catch22
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
676 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2012 : 9:35:17 PM
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You make more money with 3000 people at $10 a seat than you do with 1500 people at $15 a seat. I'm amazed at how often this is not grasped, especially in areas that are financially struggling.
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Yes, I grew up playing hockey... In Alabama. |
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Reggie Dunlop
(The Next Level!)
USA
399 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2012 : 3:57:00 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Catch22
You make more money with 3000 people at $10 a seat than you do with 1500 people at $15 a seat. I'm amazed at how often this is not grasped, especially in areas that are financially struggling.
A few years ago, an ECHL GM told me that tickets were their highest profit margin of all things sold for a game. Somehow, that must be a formula embraced by a lot of minor league teams. It does seem like the "lower price, higher quantity" equation would work, but greater minds than mine have pondered that. |
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Catch22
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
676 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2012 : 9:15:35 PM
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It depends on the product. If you consistently lose money at $15 a ticket and and average attendance of 1500, TRY lowering prices and see if you double your attendance.
Then after you hook some folks and grow your fan base, raise prices a bit.
Worked for the Cyclones (though a couple of championships didn't hurt).
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Yes, I grew up playing hockey... In Alabama. |
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Woodrow
(The Next Level!)
119 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2012 : 01:59:48 AM
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| The most frustrating thing about the Nailers situation is the lack of interest from the locals. There's not much to do in the area. There's a casino that thrives just a few miles away. Some of the people who would complain about ticket prices have no problem dumping a paycheck into a slot machine. The Nailers should mean more to the local community than any other team in the league. However, that's not the case. I live an hour and a half south of Wheeling. I pass several thousand potential attendees on my way to Wesbanco. The Nailers shouldn't NEED people like me. |
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Catch22
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
676 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2012 : 11:04:55 AM
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Hockey is a niche sport. I've found that people either fall in love with it or find it difficult to watch (too fast, rules are hard to understand, etc.) and there aren't very many casual fans.
Even though the Cyclones have picked up attendance over the years, it seems like a whole lot of that is due to promotions and give-aways on nights where there just isn't anything else to do. There are more people sitting around me at games now than there were 5 years ago, but still the same amount of people paying attention to the actual game.
Just sayin'.
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Yes, I grew up playing hockey... In Alabama. |
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Reggie Dunlop
(The Next Level!)
USA
399 Posts |
Posted - 01/21/2012 : 5:41:43 PM
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| Interesting observation, Woodrow. The Wheeling fans who were in attendance were very into it and the downtown area seemed to show a lot of support for the Nailers with signs, banners, etc. It's hard to believe that they don't have a larger following since it is the only pro sport in the city, as I understand it. The game experience was great and concession prices were very affordable. In my opinion, it was a great hockey environment. If that place gets full, I bet it rocks. But, as Catch and others have suggested, the ticket prices could be reduced to draw the casual fan. |
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