Falcons Fall to Wolf Pack, 4-1

Published on November 7, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release


Hartford, Conn. – The Springfield Falcons fell to the undefeated Hartford Wolf Pack by a score of 4-1 at the Hartford Civic Center on Sunday. Center Ryan Craig provided the goal for the Falcons while defenseman Craig Weller scored twice for Hartford. The Wolf Pack improved their record to 9-0-0-0 on the season and remain the only team in the American Hockey League without a loss.

Similar to Saturday evening's game in Lowell, Craig opened scoring with a shot that clanged off the right post and into the net to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead 9:17 into the game. The goal marked Craig's fifth tally of the season and his fourth in the last five games. Linemates Craig Darby and Shane Willis assisted on the marker.

The Wolf Pack responded 4:13 later as the team capitalized on its first power play chance in the game. Center Alexander Giroux put back the rebound of a shot by forward Layne Ulmer to knot the game with 6:30 remaining in the frame.

Late in the second period a Falcons' penalty again proved costly to the team. Following an elbowing minor issued to Springfield rookie Darren Reid, Weller beat Falcons goaltender Brian Eklund for a goal with 51 seconds remaining in the frame.

The Hartford blue liner added to his club's lead 2:40 into the third period. Weller found himself open in front of the Springfield net and converted a centering pass from right wing Ryan Cuthbert into his second goal of the game and third in two games. The Calgary native entered the weekend without a goal on the season before scoring the game-winner in the Wolf Pack's 2-1 win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday night.

Wolf Pack forward Jozef Balej capped scoring in the game with his third goal of the season with 2:08 remaining to play. The quick skater beat Eklund to a loose puck and slid the puck past the outstretched Falcons netminder for the goal. The marker completed a three-point night for Balej as the 22-year-old also had a pair of assists in the game.

The Falcons were held scoreless on three power-play opportunities in the game. Hartford tallied twice during five man advantages.

Eklund made 34 saves for Springfield while former Falcon Steve Valiquette turned aside 17 of 18 shots to collect his third win of the season.

The Falcons will return to home ice to take on the Manchester Monarchs at the Springfield Civic Center on Friday night. Game time is 7:35 p.m. The Monarchs' lineup features four of the American Hockey League's top ten scorers including right wing Dustin Brown who was the 13th overall selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. For tickets visit the Springfield Civic Center box office or contact by phone at (413) 787-6600 or (800) 639-8602. Tickets can also be ordered online through the Falcons' official team web site, www.falconsahl.com. For more information, please contact the Falcons team office at (413) 739-3344.

For a complete box score of the game, please click on the following link: http://www.theahl.com/AHLBoxscores0405/139369.html

Three Stars of the Game:

Craig Weller – Hartford

Jozef Balej – Hartford

Alexandre Giroux - Hartford

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American Hockey League Stories from November 7, 2004


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