The Indy Fuel captured their first victory of the season in a 1-0 overtime showdown against the Cincinnati Cyclones Friday night, with defenseman Nick Grima netting his first professional goal to secure the win. Both teams fought fiercely through three scoreless periods, marked by tight goaltending and relentless defense, before Grima ended the contest just 39 seconds into overtime.

First Period: Penalty-Packed Start Sets Intensity

The Fuel came out strong, drawing an early power play when Cincinnati’s Dante Sheriff was penalized for high sticking just two minutes into the game. Tensions escalated between these two division rivals, setting a physical tone for the rest of the evening.

Despite the man advantage, Indy struggled to generate offense, failing to record a shot on goal during the power play. The Cyclones answered with a power play opportunity of their own after an interference call on Ty Farmer at 7:37, but Indy’s penalty kill unit held firm. The period continued with aggressive play and mounting penalties, as both teams battled to establish dominance.

Although the Fuel saw additional power play chances with penalties against Cincinnati’s Matt Murphy and Matt Boudens, they couldn’t capitalize, leaving the period scoreless. Indy managed to outshoot Cincinnati 9-5 in the opening frame.

Second Period: Goaltenders Take Center Stage

With the physicality dialed back, the second period was all about hockey as both teams focused on creating scoring chances. Indy controlled the tempo, applying pressure and outshooting Cincinnati 11-2. Despite multiple opportunities, the Cyclones’ goaltender, along with Indy’s netminder, kept the scoreboard empty.

Third Period: Defenses Hold Strong

The teams entered the third with renewed determination, each eager to break the scoreless tie. Cincinnati found an offensive rhythm, putting up seven shots—its highest of the game. Both goaltenders continued to deliver clutch saves, staving off any attempts to seize the lead.

Penalties crept back into play late in the period as the Fuel faced a minor setback with a delay-of-game call against Ty Farmer at 17:07. Still, Indy’s penalty-kill unit held firm once more, forcing overtime.

Overtime: Grima Seals the Deal

With just 39 seconds into the extra period, Nick Grima made his mark on the game—and his career—by scoring his first professional goal. Assisted by Kyle Maksimovich and Bryan Lemos, Grima’s shot delivered the decisive blow, giving the Fuel a hard-fought 1-0 victory and their first win of the season.