Monday, March 22, 1999
CYCLONES 6, CLEVELAND 4
Nemeth ensures victory with hat trick
BY DAVE HELLER
Enquirer contributor
Cincinnati Cyclones coach Ron Smith has found an insurance policy in retirement policy salesman Tom Nemeth.
Nemeth, who sells 401K retirement plans as preparation for life after hockey, scored three goals to lead the Cyclones to a 6-4 IHL victory over Cleveland Sunday at Firstar Center.
“He has a rocket ... an NHL shot,” Smith said.
The win moves Cincinnati (37-29-5) into sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of idle Orlando. The Solar Bears have two games in hand, but have won just four times in their last 19 games.
Nemeth is in his third stint with the Cyclones. He has played 42 games with Dayton, where he also serves as an assistant coach. Nemeth signed with the Cyclones for the remainder of the season March 4.
It was just the second hat trick by a defenseman in Cyclones history. The other was by Chris Joseph, the player Nemeth replaced on the roster after Joseph was recalled in December. Nemeth said it was his first hat trick since he played pee-wee hockey.
“I guess I've been blessed with a good shot,” said Nemeth, who has eight goals in 25 games for the Cyclones, including five in the last five. “Guys always tell me, "If you get it, shoot it.' That's what I've been doing.”
Cincinnati led 4-2 after two periods, yet the 'Jacks tied it midway through the third.
Cincinnati took advantage of a struggling Cleveland (24-35-7) penalty kill unit. First Todd Simon gave the 'Clones a 5-4 advantage with 7:28 to play when his slapshot from just outside the left outside faceoff circle beat goalie Mike Tamburro. Then, Nemeth's third goal, also on a power play, with 1:33 to play, clinched victory.
Frederic Cassivi allowed a couple of soft goals.
” Smith said Cassivi wouldn't be “the man” now that Jim Carey is on the team.
“We're looking for a guy to come in and play championship-caliber goalie role us. To be honest, we haven't had that for over two years, since (Frederic) Chabot was here. We have to get that from somebody. Carey's the guy.”
Cleveland ....... 2 0 2—4
Cincinnati ....... 2 2 2—6
First period: 1, Cin, Nemeth 6 (Simon, Hawkins), 4:13; 2, Cle, Baseggio 9 (Harkins, Callander), ppg, 10:32; 3, Cin, Dionne 33 (Simon, Knipscheer), ppg, 12:59; 4, Cle, Lavigne 7 (Harkins, Baseggio), ppg, 14:29.
Second period: 5, Cin, Nemeth 7 (Shevalier), 7:53; 6, Cin, Nielsen 11, 19:59.
Third period: 7, Cle, Kelly 3 (Lambert, Spring) 2:39; 8, Cle, Skopintsev 3 (Delisle) 10:08; 9, Cin, Simon 23 (Dionne, Dandenault), ppg, 12:42; 10, Cin, Nemeth 8 (Dandenault, Shevalier), ppg, 18:27.
Shots on goal: Cle 10-8-8=26; Cin 10-9-13=32. Power play opportunities: Cle 2-8; Cin 3-5. Goalies: Cle, Wilkinson and Tamburro (start of 3rd; 2-6-0); Cin, Cassivi (16-14-2). Attendance: 6,269.
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