The Indy Fuel, the ECHL affiliate for the Chicago Blackhawks, hosted the Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL affiliate for the Buffalo Sabres. Both teams had split wins and losses evenly, as the Fuel’s record going into the game was 2-2-0, and the Cyclones’ record was 1-0-1. Each team came out checking and hitting with immense quantity and quality, with Indy coming out on top 3-0.
After a first period with zero goals scored, the Fuel struck twice thanks to a Michael Doherty tip and a booming slapshot from alternate captain Ben Youds. Doherty also dropped the gloves with Cyclones’ Shaw Boomhower, needing only an assist to complete the Gordie Howe hat trick. The Fuel sprayed Cincinnati goaltender Michael Houser with 11 shots on goal in the second period.
The Fuel clearly held the momentum from the second period as they continued to pounce on the Cyclones. Doherty led the charge, laying several huge hits and playing the physical game. Charles Williams, the Fuel goaltender, looked sharp and staved off every good scoring chance the Cyclones had. Nathan Noel tapped the empty goal net in to conclude the game.
