Falcons Overcome Ice Pilots in Overtime

Published on January 19, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons defeated the Pensacola Ice Pilots 4-3 with a game-winning goal by Dan Tessier in the last minute of overtime at Save Mart Center.

The Falcons took an early lead when Tessier scored his 16th goal of the season on a power play only 2:17 into the game. The first period ended with the Ice Pilots tying it up 1-1 when Alex Materukhin passed the puck in front of the goal to Scott May, who then blew it past Fresno goalie Jamie Hodson.

In the second period, Dustin VanBallegooie put the Falcons back in the lead at 5:41 when he rebounded a shot by David Brisson off Pensacola goaltender Todd Ford. At 17:23, Ice Pilots' Corey Neilson caught Hodson off guard and shot the puck over his right shoulder. The period ended with the score tied at 2-2.

The third period began just like the others, with Fresno taking the lead at 5:27. Sam Ftorek passed the puck in front of the goal to Brisson, who whipped it past Ford. But once again, the Ice Pilots responded with a goal by Jordan Krestanovich, brother of Fresno's Derek Krestanovich, at 12:15. The score held at 3-3 until the end of the third period, bringing the game into overtime.

The Ice Pilots took control in overtime, with three consecutive shots to Fresno's none. But, at 4:03 Jason Weaver passed the puck to Tessier, who fired a slapshot from between the circles into the net to win the game for the Falcons. Tessier's goal was his second of the night, and Fresno's only shot in overtime.

This win, in front of a crowd of 3,865, brings the Falcons' overall record to 20-13-4. They remain unbeaten in 2005, with a record of 8-0-1 this year. They also tied their longest winning streak of the year at four games in a row.

The Falcons return to the ice on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. where they will meet the Las Vegas Wranglers for the first time at Save Mart Center since the opening night of the season. Tickets are on sale for as low as $8 per seat and may be purchased directly at Save Mart Center's box office and all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 485-TIXS (8497), or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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ECHL Stories from January 19, 2005


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