Falcons Defeat Chiefs in Shootout

Published on December 17, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The Fresno Falcons overcame giving up a tying goal in the final seconds of regulation to defeat the Johnstown Chiefs, 3-2 in a shootout, on Friday at Cambria County War Memorial Arena, snapping a four-game winless streak overall and a string of five straight losses in shootouts.

Following a scoreless first period, the Chiefs struck first while skating shorthanded when Jean Desrochers beat Fresno goaltender Mike Brown with a wrap-around at 9:11 of the second period. The Falcons responded less than a minute later, though, just after their disappointing power play expired. Derek Krestanovich found Brad Both camped out front, who banged home his first goal of the season at 10:02.

Johnstown jumped all over Fresno in the third period with the teams tied at one. Yet despite getting out-shot 11-4 in the frame, the Falcons forged in front. John Wroblewski converted off a three-on-two at 16:52 to give the visitors a 2-1 edge. But with goaltender Morgan Cey pulled in the waning moments, Chiefs defenseman Tyler Kindle ripped a slapshot from the right circle that eluded Brown, tying the game with just 15 seconds remaining.

In overtime, the tables turned as Fresno had the better chances, out-shooting Johnstown 6-2. Still, the game advanced to a shootout, where the Falcons fell into a 2-0 hole through the first two rounds. From that point on, though, Fresno's Cory Murphy, Luke Curtin, and Wroblewski all beat Cey, while Brown slammed the door shut on the Chiefs' final three shooters to deliver the 3-2 shootout victory.

The win was the Falcons' first since Dec. 3 and broke a 10-game winless streak against teams from outside their own Pacific Division. Fresno had not beaten a non-divisional foe since a season-opening victory versus the Victoria Salmon Kings on Oct. 21.

The Falcons lead the Pacific with a record of 11-4-7 and 29 points.

Fresno now concludes a six-game road trip that began last week in Alaska with two games against the Reading Royals today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday). Today's game against the Royals begins at 4 p.m. Pacific time. Catch all the live radio play-by-play action on 1550 Sporting News Radio beginning at 3:45 p.m. with the FutureTek Pre-game Show. Fans may also watch the game on-line courtesy of B2 Networks, which can be accessed via the Falcons' home page at www.fresnofalcons.com. The pay-per-view video webcast costs $6 and requires a high-speed internet connection.

The Falcons then return home to Save Mart Center to take on the Stockton Thunder on Monday, Dec. 26, at 5 p.m. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free, and the first 2,000 fans will receive a Falcons holiday poster. 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).

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