Falcons Add Rookie Blueliner
August 6, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
FRESNO, CALIF. - The Fresno Falcons announced today that the team has agreed to terms with rookie defenseman Nate Ansell for the 2008-09 season.
Ansell comes to the pro ranks from Western Michigan University, where he appeared in 144 games over the last four seasons. During his career with the Broncos, the 22-year-old scored nine goals and added 33 points for 42 points. He enjoyed his best season as a senior, scoring a career-high six goals.
"Nate comes highly recommended as a young, emerging player," Falcons head coach and general manager Matt Thomas said. "In his senior year, he developed into a premier defenseman in the highly-competitive CCHA. He's a swift-skating, puck-moving defenseman who should add an offensive element to our blueline. He will fit very well into our system and we look forward to him starting his career in Fresno."
Opening Night 2008 at Selland Arena is set for Friday, October 24, when the Falcons host their arch-rivals, the Bakersfield Condors, at 7:35 p.m. Season Ticket packages start at just $432, and are now available by calling the Falcons at (559) 485-7825.
Began in 1988-89 with five teams playing in four states, the Premier âAA' Hockey League has grown into a coast-to-coast league that will have 23 teams in 16 states and British Columbia playing 828 games from Oct. 17, 2008 to Apr. 4, 2009. Eighteen of the 23 teams have played at least five years in their current city.
The third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, the ECHL averaged 4,174 per game last season, marking the fourth year in row and the 16th time in the last 18 years that the league has averaged over 4,000 fans. The league has drawn over four million fans each of the last five years and 11 times in the past 12 seasons.
ECHL Stories from August 6, 2008
- Saunders Adds Size, Toughness to Thunder Blueline - Stockton Thunder
- Sea Wolves Announce 'Great Eight' Ticket Package - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Falcons Add Rookie Blueliner - Fresno Falcons
- Skinner, Guyer Set To Return To RoadRunners - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Salmon Kings Well Represent at League Level - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Fukufuji back in Bakersfield - Bakersfield Condors
- Chiefs Fans Your Vote Is Needed - Johnstown Chiefs
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