Curtin Delivers in Overtime

Published on February 19, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons generated a season-high 59 shots on goal last night, but it took until Luke Curtin's power play goal 3:25 into overtime for them to finally dispatch the Stockton Thunder, 3-2, at Stockton Arena. Thunder goaltender Jake Moreland made 56 saves to keep his club in the game.

Fresno opened the scoring 8:06 into the first when Shawn Weiman's shot from the left point was deflected by Fraser Clair past Moreland. Stockton responded quickly with a power play goal at 11:02. Aaron Foster was sprung through the right circle and beat Falcons goaltender Brett Jaeger to send the game to the second tied at one.

The Thunder scored the only goal of the second. Nathan Martz fed Lance Monych, who was left alone streaking into the slot before snapping home the go-ahead goal at 3:00. Despite out-shooting Stockton 40-22 through 40 minutes, Fresno trailed 2-1 heading to the third.

Kelsey Muench found the equalizer with a terrific individual effort mid-way through the final frame. He stole the puck from Stockton d-man Dave McCulloch and in the same motion whipped a backhand toward a startled Moreland from the base of the left circle for an unassisted goal at 9:57.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game late in regulation. Stockton went on the power play with under three minutes left but couldn't forge ahead. Back at even strength for the final 45 seconds, Fresno had three golden chances to win the game, including a clean break-away for Shawn Mather at the buzzer, but Moreland made the save to send the game to OT.

In the extra session, the Thunder were whistled for delay of game when Steve Slonina dumped the puck out of play into the stands inside his own zone. On the ensuing four-on-three power play, Fresno controlled the puck for nearly the entire two minutes before Mather took a blast from the right circle and Curtin swept home the winning tally off a rebound.

The victory snaps the Falcons' two-game losing streak, just their second such slide of the season, and lifts the club to 30-10-10 with 70 points atop the Pacific Division. They are a perfect 9-0-0 against the Thunder this year and an impressive 16-0-4 against teams from their own division.

Fresno does not return to game action until Friday, Feb. 24, when they host the Bakersfield Condors at Save Mart Center at 7 p.m. The ZOOperstars will entertain that evening, and the team will be wearing Mardi Gras-themed specialty jerseys, which will be auctioned off after the game to support Hinds Hospice.

Individual tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and Save Mart Center's box office with prices ranging from $8 - $23. For complete ticket information and an arena map of Save Mart Center, visit www.fresnofalcons.com/singletickets.html, or contact the Falcons front office directly at (559) 485-PUCK (7825).

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ECHL Stories from February 19, 2006


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