The Florida Panthers ECHL affiliate (shared with the Nashville Predators), the Cincinnati Cyclones, have advanced to the final round of the ECHL’s Kelly Cup playoffs. The Cyclones, who finished second in the North Division, will face the Alaska Aces for the title. Cincinnati will be looking to win their third championship in the last seven seasons.
The Cyclones have won all three of their series in six games. Cincinnati took out the Orlando Solar Bears in the first round, the Fort Wayne Komets in the second round, and the Greenville Road Warriors in the Eastern Conference final.
Alaska, who was the top team in the Western Conference, vanquished the Las Vegas Wranglers, Idaho Steelheads, and Bakersfield Condors on their way to the final.
Among the Panthers/Rampage prospects skating for the Cyclones are Jonathan Hazen (14 points), Wade Megan (11 points), Josh McFadden (9 points), Josh Birkholz (7 points), Logan Shaw (4 points), and Joe Basaraba (0 points in 2 games). Goaltender Rob Madore has played in all 18 games and posted a sparkling 2.21 GAA.
The opening game of the series is tonight at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.