Falcons Complete Opening Day Roster

October 18, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons announced today that the team has acquired goaltender Kris Mayotte from the Reading Royals and right wing Luke Stauffacher from the Elmira Jackals, both in exchange for future considerations. The Falcons also have released goaltender Sebastien Centomo and left wing Dwayne Hay.

"From day one, we said it would not be the best 23 guys to make the team, but the right 23," Falcons Head Coach and General Manager Matt Thomas said. "We think that this final roster has all of the elements to win."

Mayotte spent his rookie season last year with the Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League, posting a 13-11-2 record. During a four-year career at Union College, the 24-year-old went 46-52-13 with a 2.69 goals against average, .907 save percentage, and 10 shutouts. He attended the training camp of the Washington Capitals prior to this season.

"Kris is a highly-regarded goalie who will give us depth at the goaltending position," Thomas said.

Stauffacher enjoyed a breakout season with the United Hockey League's Quad City Mallards last year, scoring 42 goals and adding 29 assists for 71 points, to go along with 221 penalty minutes. He became the first player in UHL history to finish a season within the top five in goals (tied 4th) and major penalties (4th with 21). The 26-year-old has previous ECHL experience with Trenton, Charlotte and Peoria, with whom he made his pro debut at the end of the 2004-05 season.

"Luke is a player who will be an instant fan favorite," Thomas said. "You don't score 42 goals and add 21 fighting majors if you don't play with passion every night. We look for him to bring that passion night in and night out."

Fresno's opening day roster is as follows:

Goaltenders (2) - John Ceci and Kris Mayotte

Defensemen (7) - P.O. Beaulieu, Dan Glover, Tyler Kindle, Kenny MacAulay, Matt O'Dette, Mike Self, and Joe Van Culin

Forwards (11) - Kenny Bernard, Josh Ciocco, Luke Curtin, Ore Eizenman, Igor Gongalsky, Brett Hemingway, Jarrett Konkle, Brady Leisenring, Matt Quinn, Mike Ramsay, and Luke Stauffacher

Injured Reserve (3) - Daryl Marcoux (7-day), Brett McConnachie (3-day), and John Morlang (30-day)

The Falcons open the 2007-08 regular season on Friday, October 19, hosting the Las Vegas Wranglers at 7:30 p.m. for an Opening Night Extravaganza, presented by Eye Q Vision Care. The first 1,000 kids 12 and under receive a replica Luke Curtin Falcons' jersey. Opening Night is also "Soccer Night in Fresno" and "Rally Around Citizens with Disabilities Night." For more information on either of these promotions, call the Falcons at (559) 485-7825.

Tickets for all Falcons home games can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, or through TicketMaster at (559) 485-8497 or www.ticketmaster.com. All Falcons' games are broadcast on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting 15 minutes prior to face-off with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show.



ECHL Stories from October 18, 2007


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.

OurSports Central