Falcons Rally Past Ice Dogs

Published on April 3, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - Kory Mullin racked up three assists and had the game-winning goal in the seventh round of the shootout as the Fresno Falcons rallied to defeat the Long Beach Ice Dogs, 5-4 in a shootout, Tuesday evening at Selland Arena. The win snapped the Falcons two game losing streak and extended their winning streak at Selland Arena to four games. In addition to the win, the team also set another attendance mark as they soared past the 200,000 plateau for the first time in franchise history.

Dan Kerluke put the Falcons on the board first when he hammered home a rebound for his 10th goal of the year and the early 1-0 lead. Then just 29 seconds later, the Ice Dogs Chris George found the back of the net and tied the game at 1-1. Trevor Demmans and Tomas Hradecky tacked on two more goals for Long Beach as they took a 3-1 lead into the second period.

Fresno came roaring back in the second period behind a pair of power play goals from Derek Cormier and Mike Mathers that knotted the game at three apiece. Cormier notched the first power play tally, snapping a quick shot over the shoulder of Long Beach goaltender Marten Engren to bring the Falcons within one. Mathers tied the game at the 15:28 mark of the period when he tapped a deflected puck into an open net for his 21st goal of the season. David Mitchell, who replaced starter Terry Friesen at the start of the period, stopped all six of the Ice Dogs shots to keep the game tied heading into the final period of play.

The Ice Dogs took the lead in the first six minutes of the third period when George recorded his second goal of the night. With the Falcons trailing by one, and emotions running high on both teams, Dale Junkin found the back of the net for the Falcons, as his 28th goal of the season tied the game at 4-4. The two teams went scoreless over the seven and half minutes to send the game to a shootout. In the extra frame, it took seven rounds to decide a winner but Mullin beat Engren top shelf in the seventh round to earn the Falcons the two points. After being replaced by Mitchell in the second period, Friesen came into the shootout and stopped six of the seven shots he faced.

Fresno moves back within one game of the .500 mark at 30-31-8 with 68 points. They extended their lead to three points over the Bakersfield Condors for third place in the Southern Division and need only one more win, or one Condor loss, to clinch the third slot in the division. The shootout victory improves their shootout record to 4-8 and improves their record at home to 17-14-3.

The Falcons will now prepare for their final two home games of the 2001-02 regular season against the top two teams in the WCHL. On Friday, April 5, the Northern Division champions Idaho Steelheads return to Selland Arena for 7:30 p.m. face off with the Falcons. The first 2,000 fans through the doors will receive a free #29 Kevin Harvick beanie car courtesy of Wilson's Motorcycles. The next night, Saturday, April 6, the Southern Division leading San Diego Gulls come to town for a 7:30 p.m. showdown with free beach towels to the first 1,500 fans from Wienerschnitzel. Tickets for the final weekend are available at the Selland Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.

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ECHL Stories from April 3, 2002


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