Falcons Rally Past Grizzlies in Shootout

Published on March 2, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons rallied to tie the game twice in the third period, then prevailed in a shootout, defeating the Utah Grizzlies 4-3 on Sunday in front of 3,331 fans at Save Mart Center.

Ryan Kinasewich gave Utah a 1-0 lead at the 18:01 mark of the first period, beating Kris Mayotte on a redirection of Rob Sirianni's centering pass.

Olivier Labelle doubled the Grizzlies' lead to 2-0 with his 23rd goal of the season 4:20 into the second period. Mayotte made the save on Garett Bembridge's shot from the left-wing side, but Labelle picked up the rebound at the hash marks and beat Mayotte to the near post.

Fresno got on the board at 15:31, pulling within one after 40 minutes. Matt Stefanishion gathered in a loose puck at the top of the circles, and blasted a wrist shot past goaltender Nathan Lawson for his 15th of the year.

P.O. Beaulieu pulled the Falcons even 7:05 into the third period, taking a pass from Tyler Kindle, and sneaking a shot home from the right-wing circle for his 12th goal of the year.

But, Utah went back on top with a power-play goal at 12:03. Sirianni snuck a shot past Mayotte from the top of the crease for his ninth goal of the season.

Fresno tied the game for the second time at 16:47. Brady Leisenring gathered in the rebound of a Stefanishion shot and banged the puck into an open net for his 21st goal of the season.

Both teams scored twice through the first five shootout rounds, setting up sudden death. Stefanishion scored in the sixth round, and Bembridge rang a shot off the post to give the Falcons the win.

The Falcons and Grizzlies open a three-game series at The E Center in West Valley City, Utah on Wednesday at 6:05 PST. Catch all of the action on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 5:50.

Fresno returns home on Tuesday, March 11, hosting the Idaho Steelheads at 7:00 p.m. It's Kids' Day at the Rink, presented by The Fresno Bee, ABC 30, Little Caesar's, and Educational Employees Credit Union. The first 1,000 kids 12 and younger in attendance receive a free growth chart. Falcons' players will be wearing special kids' day jerseys, which will be auctioned off following the game to benefit Children's Hospital of Central California. It's also a Two-for-Tuesday, presented by Carl's Jr., KMPH Fox 26, and KRZR 103.7 FM. Fans can visit any area Carl's Jr., and pick up a voucher allowing them to purchase one ticket at regular price and get a second ticket for free.

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.

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