CYCLONES LOOKING TO TAKE NEXT STEP

ROSTER:

Chris Anschutz, Eric Powell, Matt Sowl, Brandon Reiter, Pat Keller, Jake Stormer, Bob Williams

2007 STATISTICAL LEADERS (SKATERS):

Ø Points: Brandon Reiter (108)

Ø Goals: Brandon Reiter (86)

Ø Assists: Brandon Reiter (22)

Ø PIM: Keller, Anschutz, Powell, Sowl (4)

OFFENSE:

When you have Brandon Reiter in the lineup, you are bound to score goals. The Cyclones did just that last year, registering 169 of them by the season’s end. Reiter brings his impressive resume and explosive arsenal back this year, and should be among the top two or three scorers by season’s end. He has the ability to wear down the opposing defense with his size and talent, but he’ll need some secondary scoring from the rest of the group to win the close games. Matt Sowl can bring just that, as he did last year when he tallied 50 points.

DEFENSE:

The Cyclones are a stingy team that plays a good system. Jake Stormer and Pat Keller have taken up the main responsibilities on the backline, and continue to improve each season. Captain Chris Anschutz has his guys playing hard in both ends, and there is no reason to think they will stray from that this year.

GOALTENDING:

Bob Williams will turn 40 this year, but there is no sign of him slowing down any time soon (he must be watching Dennis Kirst). He put together another fine season a year ago, stopping over 85% of the shots he faced. He gives his team a chance to win night in and night out, and has an infectious passion for the game. When he is confident, on the top of his crease, and his mind is in a “happy place”, Williams can be an elite goaltender. He won the Vezina Award in 2006, and there is no reason to believe he can’t win it in 2008.

WHERE WILL THEY FINISH?

The Cyclones made their first playoff appearance last season, and while they came up short, they gave the champion Rogue all they could handle in the opening round match-up. The Cyclones are bringing back the roster, and this time, they will have some experience under the belt. The formula is the same: solid goaltending, team defense, and Brandon Reiter! The competition has improved, and making the playoffs will be a challenge in itself, but this team will be dangerous should they make the post-season again this year.