Sports stats

Falcons Fall to Aces 4-3

February 20, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons rally fell just short on Tuesday, as they fell to the Alaska Aces 4-3 in front of 3.027 fans at Save Mart Center.

Peter Metcalf gave Alaska a 1-0 lead 3:48 into the first period, beating Falcons' goaltender Kris Mayotte with a long wrist shot from the blue line.

Fresno pulled even late in the opening period. Luke Curtin fed Matt Stefanishion, who skated into the Alaska zone, drew goaltender Marek Schwarz to the ice, and roofed a shot over the downfallen goaltender off his backhand at 18:24 for his 14th goal of the season, tying the game at 1.

Alaska regained the lead 4:40 into the second period. Ed Hill led a 3-on-1 rush into the Fresno zone, and had his shot stopped by Mayotte, but Olivier Filion picked up the rebound in the right-wing circle, and sent a shot to the front of the net, beating Mayotte for his 18th of the year.

The Aces took a two-goal lead at 9:37 as F.P. Guenette picked up a bouncing puck at the Fresno blue line, and beat Mayotte just over the glove giving Alaska a 3-1 lead.

Fresno's power play went to work at 12:27 to pull back within one. Tyler Kindle's shot from the blue line was deflected in front by Igor Gongalsky, who beat Schwarz for his 17th goal.

But, the Aces answered with a power-play goal of their own at 14:00 to take a 4-2 lead into the second intermission. Jake Moreland, who replaced Mayotte after the third Alaska goal, appeared to make the save on a Michael Lambert shot from the top of the crease, but the puck somehow eluded his reach, giving Lambert his third goal of the season.

Brady Leisenring made it a 4-3 game with a 5-on-3 power-play goal just 27 seconds into the third period. Leisenring picked up the rebound of a Luke Curtin shot, one-timing it by Schwarz, extending his goal-scoring streak to five games.

Schwarz took over from there, as Fresno was unable to get the equalizer despite outshooting Alaska 15-4 in the third period.

The Falcons conclude their three-game home stand on Friday, hosting the Stockton Thunder at 7:30 p.m. on Rodeo at the Rink Night, presented by the U.S. Army, 93.7 KISS Country and Mega 97.9. The first 3,000 fans in attendance receive a free bandana, and fans can also bid in a silent auction on the concourse, with proceeds to benefit the Central California Blood Center. Following the game, join the Falcons for a post-game party at Logan's Roadhouse, located at Blackstone and El Paso, across from River Park.

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



ECHL Stories from February 20, 2008


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



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central