Falcons' 10-Game Unbeaten Streak Comes to a Halt

January 6, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


VICTORIA, British Columbia - The Victoria Salmon Kings scored three times in a five-minute span of the third period to break open a 2-2 hockey game as the Fresno Falcons lost to Victoria by the final score of 5-3 at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre in front of a crowd of 3,856. The loss was Fresno's first in regulation since Dec. 4, snapping a season-high 10-game unbeaten streak.

The Salmon Kings jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead off a goal by Mike Wirll at 6:42 followed by a power play goal from All-Star defenseman Steve Lingren at 8:48. The Falcons' Rob McFeeters sliced Victoria's advantage in half at 13:40 with his fourth of the season after he took a pass off the end boards from Pete Fregoe.

Fresno still trailed 2-1 after a scoreless second period but quickly tied the game early in the third when Derek Krestanovich finished a two-on-one with his seventh of the season at 2:06. The Salmon Kings wrested away control of the game with their three-goal outburst beginning at 6:38 of the third when Lanny Gare put Victoria back in front 3-2. Less than a minute later Ryan Wade fired a slapshot past Falcons goaltender Brett Jaeger from the slot, and when KC Timmons scored at 11:46, Victoria had built a 5-2 edge in a span of 5:12. Fresno's Shawn Mather scored a power play goal at 15:57 for the final margin.

In addition to the overall unbeaten streak that went by the wayside, the Falcons also had a team-record 11-game road unbeaten streak that ended tonight. Fresno had not lost in regulation away from home since Nov. 8. The team still leads the Pacific Division, though, with a record of 16-5-8 and 40 points.

The Falcons conclude a six-game road trip and a stretch of 12 of 13 away from home when they face the Salmon Kings again tomorrow and Saturday. Both games may be heard live on 1550 Sporting News Radio beginning at 6:45 p.m. with the FutureTek Pre-game Show.

Fresno will finally return home to Save Mart Center on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. to take on the Florida Everblades. The game is a Carl's Jr. Two-for-Tuesday, with two-for-one coupons available at participating Carl's Jr. restaurants. Individual tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets and Save Mart Center's box office with prices ranging from $8 - $22. 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).



ECHL Stories from January 6, 2006


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