Falcons add offensive firepower
Published on September 14, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons significantly bolstered their offense with the dual signings of ECHL All-Star left winger Luke Curtin and centerman Shawn Mather (pr: Mayther), both of whom played last season for Falcons head coach and general manager Matt Thomas when he was the coach for the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies.
"Luke and Shawn are premier forwards at this level, and we'll look to each of them to provide not only offense, but leadership, as well," said Thomas. "They were both two of the top scoring forwards in the league's North Division the last couple of years - players that opposing coaches focus on and worry about keeping in check heading into games."
Curtin spent the last four seasons in Atlantic City, including last year as captain, where he continued to gain league-wide recognition after being selected as an ECHL All-Star during his first two years as a pro with the Baton Rouge Kingfish. In 2002-03, he helped lead the Boardwalk Bullies to the Kelly Cup title while pacing the league in playoff assists and tying for second in playoff scoring. His career-high 78-point campaign (33g-45a) in 2003-04 garnered him First Team All-ECHL honors, and last season, he was selected as a starter and team captain for the National Conference at the ECHL All-Star Game before his season ended prematurely due to injury. Falcons fans may remember the Colorado Avalanche's 1996 5th round draft choice from his one season with the West Coast Hockey League's Tacoma Sabercats in 2000-01, when he recorded 55 points (23g-32a) and averaged better than a point per game.
Added Thomas, "Luke's reputation as a perennial all-star is well-documented and well-deserved. I know he's excited to come back to the West Coast and looks forward to trying to win himself and the Falcons a second championship."
Thomas acquired Mather from the Johnstown Chiefs at last season's ECHL trade deadline, and the fifth-year pro caught fire with his new club by tallying 19 points (11g-8a) in just 11 games with the Bullies. He was named the In Glas Co ECHL Player of the Week following his first full week in an Atlantic City uniform and ended the campaign with career highs in goals (30), assists (32) and points (64).
"Ask any coach in the league...if you want to win a championship, you must have a true number one center. Shawn Mather's that coveted guy for us," commented Thomas. "He's very skilled and well-respected both in the room and around the league. I look forward to having him on our team for an entire season."
Falcons season tickets are currently available for the 2005-06 ECHL campaign, beginning with the club's season opener on Oct. 21 against the Victoria Salmon Kings at Save Mart Center. Both full season packages (36 games) and 24-game packages include seats to the 2006 Bud Light ECHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition to be held at Save Mart Center on Jan. 24 and 25. For complete ticket information and an arena map of Save Mart Center, please visit the Falcons website at www.fresnofalcons.com/tickets.html.
ECHL Stories from September 14, 2005
- Falcons add offensive firepower - Fresno Falcons
- Dayton Bombers fly onto B2 Networks - Dayton Bombers
- Wranglers honored for community service - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Four more join Titans mix - Trenton Devils
- Q & A with Bo Cheesman - Wheeling Nailers
- Mississippi Sea Wolves Submit Voluntary Suspension Request - ECHL
- Sea Wolves Announce Return To Action In 2006-07 - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Ice Dogs add offensive spark - Long Beach Ice Dogs
- Blades seek Anthem singers - Florida Everblades
- Cole back in black and blue - Augusta Lynx
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Fresno Falcons Stories
