LISTOWEL, ONT. — The Listowel Cyclones return to the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex on Friday, November 6, looking to extend their home point streak to 10 games when they host the London Nationals. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. as the Western Conference opponents meet for the third time this season.
Friday’s game will also mark Veterans Appreciation Night. The Cyclones invite fans to join the team in recognizing and honouring our veterans and those who have served our country. The organization is proud to show its appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
The Cyclones have earned points in all nine home games this season, posting a 7-0-2-0 record and collecting 16 of a possible 18 points. They will look to build on that success and return to the win column following Sunday’s 6-3 road loss to the Chatham Maroons.
Listowel enters Friday with a 10-4-3-0 record and 23 points through 17 games. The Cyclones are 7-2-1-0 over their last 10 contests and had won four straight before the setback in Chatham.
That run included three consecutive home victories over Sarnia, Stoney Creek and Strathroy. In their most recent appearance at the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex, the Cyclones defeated the Rockets 4-2 on October 30.
Listowel has won both meetings with London this season, earning a 9-2 victory at home on October 2 before taking a 2-1 decision on the road October 21. The latter result began the Cyclones’ four-game winning streak. With the most recent meeting decided by a single goal, consistent execution at both ends of the ice will be important as Listowel pursues a third win in the season series.
Special teams have been a significant part of Listowel’s success. The Cyclones have converted 22 of 76 power-play opportunities for a 28.95 per cent success rate. At home, that figure rises to 31.82 per cent, with 14 goals on 44 chances. That unit will face a London penalty kill operating at 76.09 per cent on the road.
The Cyclones have also been effective shorthanded, killing 87.93 per cent of opposing power plays overall. Their home penalty kill has allowed just two power-play goals in 34 shorthanded situations, a 94.12 per cent success rate. Maintaining that standard while limiting unnecessary penalties will be an important part of protecting their home record.
Listowel has scored 68 goals and allowed 52 through 17 games, giving the club a plus-16 goal differential. After conceding six goals in Chatham, the Cyclones will look for a stronger defensive result Friday. Managing the puck carefully and protecting the area around the net will be key to that effort.
Shayne Keefe leads Listowel with 18 points on seven goals and 11 assists. Thomas Paleczny follows with eight goals and nine assists for 17 points, while Lyndon Cabral has nine goals and seven assists for 16 points. Cabral enters Friday one goal shy of double figures for the season.
Heath Bradley has contributed seven goals and seven assists for 14 points, and Ethan Fischer has added two goals and 11 assists for 13 points. Five points separate Listowel’s top five scorers, giving the Cyclones several sources of offence as they look to sustain pressure against the Nationals.
London arrives with a 7-9-1-0 record following a 6-3 loss to St. Thomas on Wednesday. Jack Samek leads the Nationals with 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points, followed by Nicholas Kiss with nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points. Limiting time and space for London’s leading scorers will be an important defensive assignment for the Cyclones.
Cyclones fans are encouraged to join the team at the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex on Friday, November 6, for Veterans Appreciation Night. Listowel will be looking for its eighth home victory of the season. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. Fans unable to attend can watch live on FloHockey.
-Listowel Cyclones Hockey Club
