Falcons set for three-game road trip this week

February 28, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


THIS WEEK'S GAME PREVIEWS

--WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2006 AT PHILADELPHIA PHANTOMS--

The Falcons will travel to the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday night to play a make-up game against the Phantoms. The game was originally scheduled for February 12 but was postponed due to inclement weather. This will be the Falcons first and only trip to Philadelphia this season and only the second time they will play the Phantoms this year. On October 30, 2005, the Falcons hosted the Phantoms in a 3-2 win for Springfield. Defensemen Alexandre Picard and John Slaney scored Philadelphia's two goals while Jason Jaspers and Ryan Vesce scored two of Springfield's three markers. Falcons center Dan Cavanaugh was in the Phantoms' lineup for the last meeting between these two teams, while Philadelphia forward Jim Campbell was a member of the Falcons. The Phantoms are 13-7-1-5 at home this season and the Falcons are 9-15-2-1 on the road. Phantoms goaltender Martin Houle has a record of 9-12-1 with a 2.43 goals against average and .912 save percentage this season. Veteran goaltender Jamie Storr has posted a record of 11-9-5 with a 2.72 goals against average and .910 save percentage in 26 games with Philadelphia this season. The Phantoms are currently in fifth place in the AHL's East Division.

--SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2006 AT BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS--

The Falcons will be in Bridgeport, Connecticut for the final time this season on Friday night to take on the Sound Tigers. The two teams last played on February 17 at the MassMutual Center in a 5-2 win for the Falcons. Goals that night came from Ryan Vesce, Andre Deveaux, Doug O'Brien, Timo Helbling, and Marek Kvapil. Sound Tigers forwards Sean Bergenheim and Jeremy Colliton both scored for Bridgeport. Bergenheim is ranked fourth in the league for shorthanded goals with four in 55 games. Jason Jaspers had three assists in the game and is currently first on the Falcons in points with 20 goals and 31 assists for 51 points in 54 games. Rob Collins leads the Sound Tigers with 17 goals and 36 assists for 53 points in 53 games. Wade Dublielewicz stopped 32 of Springfield's 37 shots in the last contest between the two teams. He has a 3.20 goals against average and a save percentage of .908 in 30 games played this season. Fellow goaltenders Frederic Cloutier and Chris Madden also have more than a dozen games under them so far this season. Cloutier has a goals against average of 2.65 and a .919 save percentage in 13 games while Madden posts a 7-6-0 record in 15 games played. The last time the Sound Tigers came to Springfield, Jonathan Boutin earned the win, his first of back-to-back wins that weekend. Springfield held Bridgeport to just 14 shots in their last meeting, a season low shots against total for the Falcons. Boutin currently has a 2.85 goals against average and a .901 save percentage this season. The Falcons are 1-1 at home against the Sound Tigers and 2-2 for the season. Bridgeport is currently ranked third in the AHL's East Division.

--SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2006 AT PORTLAND PIRATES--

The Falcons final game of the week will take place at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland. It will be the eighth time they play the Pirates this season and the fourth time in Portland. Springfield is 1-1-0-1-0 in Portland and 2-3-0-1-1 against the Pirates so far this season. The Pirates traveled to Springfield on January 29, winning 3-2 in a shootout with goals from Shane O'Brien and Geoff Peters and successful shootout goals from Joel Perrault and Shane O'Brien. The two teams last played in Portland on January 27 in what resulted in a 4-3 overtime win for the Falcons. Chris Dingman and Timo Helbling each tallied for the Falcons while center Jason Jaspers scored two goals, including the game-winning overtime goal, earning himself the first star of the game. The Pirates are the top team in the AHL's Atlantic Division, posting a record of 37-14-5-3 for the season and 20-7-2-2 at home. Portland's Ryan Shannon leads the team in points with 19 goals and 43 assists for 62 points in 50 games and is ranked 11th in the AHL for scoring, followed by Pirates right wing Dustin Penner, who is ranked 12th with 30 goals and 31 assists for 61 points in 40 games.

LAST WEEK'S GAME RECAPS

---Game 1 - Springfield vs. Lowell, February 23 - L 4-1---

The Springfield Falcons took on the Lowell Lock Monsters for the eighth time this season. Springfield fell to Lowell 4-1 in front of 3,116 at the MassMutual Center. Lowell scored the first goal of the game just after the halfway mark of the first period. Krys Kolanos scored for the Lock Monsters at 10:10 assisted by Andrew Ladd and Johnny Boychuk. Just before the period ended, David Gove strengthened Lowell's lead 2-0 with an unassisted goal at 19:53 of the opening period. The second period was scoreless until 14:35 when Niklas Nordgren scored the third goal for the Lock Monsters. Less than two minutes later, Kolanos scored his second goal of the night at 16:19, this time unassisted. Springfield finally put themselves on the board with only eight seconds left in the second period. The Falcons' first goal of the game came from Doug O'Brien at 19:52, assisted by Timo Helbling and Zdenek Blatny. The Falcons brought goalie Gerald Coleman in for the third period and he stopped 12 shots on goal for the duration of the game.

---Game 2 - Springfield at Hartford, February 24 - L 4-3---

The Springfield Falcons lost to the Hartford Wolf Pack 4-2 Friday night at the Hartford Civic Center. Hartford's Lee Falardeau scored a shorthanded goal at 6:21 of the opening period giving the Wolf Pack a 1-0 lead, but Zdenek Blatny tied the score at 1-1 on the power play at 16:53 of the first period. Hartford regained a 2-1 lead at 5:16 of the second period as Dwight Helminen scored an even strength goal. The Wolf Pack took a 3-1 advantage at 11:55 of the middle period when Jarkko Immonen converted on the power play. Springfield's Mitch Fritz and Hartford's Martin Grenier had the season's longest fight late in the second period as the two enforcers battled for several minutes. Helminen added a second goal of the game at 17:11 of the second period giving Hartford a 4-1 lead. In the third period, Nick Tarnasky scored an unassisted goal just 1:37 into the final period cutting the Falcons deficit to 4-2. Jason Jaspers scored with just eight seconds left in the game, making it a 4-3 loss.

---Game 3 - Springfield vs. Norfolk, February 25 - L 5-2---

The Springfield Falcons lost to the Norfolk Admirals 5-2 tonight in front of 4,116 fans at the MassMutual Center. It was the final game between the two teams this season, giving Norfolk the series lead 3-1. Norfolk took a very early lead in the game tonight when right wing Matt Keith scored just 53 seconds into the first period. Less than three minutes later, Mark Cullen added another one marker for the Admirals at 3:41 of the opening period on a power play. Just five minutes into the first period, Falcons left wing Mitch Fritz and Admirals right wing Shawn Thornton were each dealt five minute penalties for fighting. Halfway through the first period, Nathan Barrett scored another power play goal for Norfolk at 10:35 giving the Admirals a 3-0 advantage. The Falcons were able to get a goal in before the first intermission. Right wing Darren Reid, assisted by Ryan Vesce and Travis Brigley, scored Springfield's first goal at 17:32 of the first period. Just 1:58 into the second period, Falcons center Dan Cavanaugh scored a power play goal for Springfield on a picture-perfect play from Timo Helbling and Travis Brigley, making it a one point game. Mark Cullen made it a two goal game with his second goal at 7:32 of the second period. At 14:42, Keith pulled the Admirals ahead even further with his second goal of the game and the third power play goal for Norfolk, making it a 5-2 game after 40 minutes of play. Neither team was able to score in the third period, leaving the game at 5-2 in favor of the Admirals.

PLAYER / TEAM NOTES:

Springfield Falcons Notes

Falcons goaltender Gerald Coleman earned the second star of the game on Friday night in Hartford. He stopped 54 goals, setting a franchise record for Springfield, in a 4-3 loss to the Wolf Pack. The 6-foot-4 190-pound netminder from Evanston, Illinois improved his season save percentage to .886. On Thursday night against Lowell, Coleman was between the pipes for the third period of the game, stopping all of the Lock Monsters' 12 shots in that time.

Jason Jaspers earned two points on Friday night against the Wolf Pack. The 5-foot-11 207-pound Falcons center had a goal and an assist in Springfield's 4-3 loss in Hartford. Jaspers continues to lead the Falcons in points with 20 goals and 31 assists for 51 points in 54 games this season.

Zdenek Blatny also collected two points on Friday night. The 6-foot-1 195-pound left wing had one goal and one assist, improving his season record to 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points in 43 AHL games.

Falcons right wing Marek Kvapil was the third Falcons player to earn two points on Friday night. The 5-foot-11 172-pound rookie had assists on goals by Blatny and Jaspers. He is fourth on the Falcons for points (30) and fifth for assists (17) for the season.

INJURY REPORT

Falcons forward Steve McLaren and left wing David Spina missed games due to injury.

TRANSACTION REPORT

None

ON THE FARM - JOHNSTOWN CHIEFS

The Johnstown Chiefs defeated the Toledo Storm 1-0 on Friday night at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena. Rookie goaltender Morgan Cey stopped all 30 shots from the Storm while teammate Doug Andress scored the lone goal of the game. The Chiefs earned a 5-4 shootout victory over the Dayton Bombers on Saturday, giving Chiefs goaltender Mike Betz his first win since his 2003-04 season with Ohio State. Justin Kelly, the fifth shootout attempter, gave Johnstown the win after trailing 4-2 for 46 minutes of the game. The Chiefs came away with their third consecutive home win of the week on Sunday after defeating the Trenton Titans. The scored was tied 3-3 but with three seconds left in the game, Randy Rowe was able to get the puck into Rejean Beauchemin's net. Zbynek Hrdel, Jean Desrochers and Joe Tallari also scored for Johnstown. The Chiefs are now 24-20-11 and will head to Reading on Friday night to take on the Royals and will host the Greenville Grrrowl on Sunday.

FALCONS NEW TICKET PLANS:

A new ticket plan the Falcons unveiled was a Five-Game Flex Pack, offering fans even more flexibility to attend Springfield home games. The Five-Game Flex Pack is a block of five vouchers that can be redeemed for tickets to any remaining Falcons home game. Vouchers may be redeemed at the MassMutual Center Box Office either in advance or the day of the game. Seat locations are subject to availability.

Five-Game Flex Pack Pricing and Benefits:

- Sideline Seating - $65 for adults and $45 for youth/students/seniors

- Goal Zone Seating - $62.50 for adults and $40 for youth/students/seniors

- Savings off the box office price

- Chance to win autographed Falcons goalie stick

- Playoff Priority

- Falcons Team Store discount (10%)

COMMUNITY

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS AT FRIENDLY'S RETURN: Friendly Ice Cream is proud to announce "Family Fun Nights at Friendly's" to benefit Springfield Falcons Charities, Inc. Falcons players and Screech meet and greet fans at area Friendly's Restaurant throughout the Pioneer Valley:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH 6-8 P.M. 430 Cooley St., Springfield

MONDAY, MARCH 13th 6-8 P.M. 94 Elm St., Enfield, CT

MONDAY, MARCH 20TH 6-8 P.M. 1094 Riverdale Rd., West Springfield

MONDAY, MARCH 27th 6-8 P.M. 529 Memorial Drive, Chicopee

CELEBRITY BARTENDING EVENT AT SAMUEL'S TAVERN: Falcon players will be serving you all for a GREAT CAUSE - Springfield Falcons Charities, Inc. on THURSDAY, MARCH 2ND from 9-midnight at Samuel's Tavern, 1019 Main St., Springfield. Springfield Falcons Charities, Inc. is the official charity of the Springfield Falcons and has distributed over $375,000 to area children's charities. One lucky fan will win 2 Motley Crue after party passes courtesy of the Valley Advocate.

HOCKEY 101: Attention all Falcon Fans!!!! Ever enjoy a hockey game but wanted to learn more about AUTOMATIC ICING? THE TAMPA BAY "SYSTEM"? Enroll in HOCKEY 101 brought to you by Appleton Corporation and Advance Auto Parts. Enroll today for our first HOCKEY 101 session! MARCH 14-16th. Falcons 101 is a three-night study session for fans who want to learn more about the COOLEST GAME ON EARTH! Students of FALCONS 101 will be taught skating and ice hockey fundamentals, learn the rules and regulations of hockey and take home assignments, all in order to complete the course and receive their diploma!!! Our professors have years of experience in the hockey business. Whether a former player now a coach or General Manager and Owner, we have the staff that will truly teach you all the nuances of the game. It's never too late to go back to school! Cost is $60 and includes a t-shirt, ticket and food to Falcons game, diploma, and course manual.

PINK RIBBON POWER PLAY: This program was started by #9 Ryan Vesce, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor. For each power play goal scored by the Falcons starting with the December 9th game, sponsors will donate funds that will benefit area breast cancer centers. We are looking for sponsors, both from an individual and corporate level, to pledge any amount. For example, if Screech pledged $1 for each power play goal and the Falcons score 20 power play goals for the rest of the season, Screech will donate $20 to the breast cancer cause. To join the Pink Ribbon Power Play, contact Carole Appleton at 413-739-3344 x.112.

FALCONS' KITCHEN CUPBOARD: - #10 Jim Campbell may have been reassigned to Philadelphia, but his unique food collection program will continue. Fans will be encouraged to bring a canned good to any remaining Falcons home games and receive a raffle ticket to win autograph items from Campbell and the Falcons throughout the season. A grand prize winner will be chosen to have lunch with Campbell in the off-season. The Falcons will donate all food to local area food banks during the course of the season. Special thanks to ConAgra Foods (400 cases of food) & J&H Transport (transportation assistance) for their help

with our Kickoff at the Food Bank of Western Mass. Also thanks to Lorraine's Soup Kitchen in Chicopee, the recipient of our most recent delivery. .

USED EQUIPMENT COLLECTION: Time to clean out those closets of used athletic equipment? Bring it to a Falcons game to benefit Sport-2-Sport. The Falcons, Reminder Publications, and Sport-2-Sport have teamed up to collect used athletic equipment and deliver it to local children organizations in need. Collection dates run from January 28th v. Providence to February 18th v. Wilkes-Barre. Sport-2-Sport is a non-profit organization that was created by East Longmeadow teenager, Jon Tremblay, to assist children-related organizations that need assistance in obtaining athletic equipment.

"It Can Be You": #37 Gerald Coleman and #62 Andre Deveaux are launching a program that exposes the game of hockey and it's ideals to area community centers of Springfield. "It Can Be You" promotes the game of hockey with concepts of work ethic and following the right path to success by staying in school and away from gangs and drugs. Coleman and Deveaux will also talk to them about coming from similar backgrounds. Floor hockey equipment will be provided by the Falcons to outfit the children.

TARNASKY AND REID WILLING TO GET MADE OVER FOR A GREAT CAUSE: Falcons players #26 Nick Tarnasky and #39 Darren Reid have volunteered to get a new look courtesy of Spa Europa in East Longmeadow. Fans will be able to vote on their new look by picking up a Reminder Publications starting with the week of Feb. 20th. You can vote through mail, internet or at Falcons games through March 11th. Once a look has been chosen, Tarnasky and Reid will enjoy a spa day with Griffin's Friends cancer patients. A special ticket fundraiser will be held for Griffin's Friends on Friday, March 17th. Tickets can be purchased through Griffin's Friends. Join us for a great cause!!!

WEEK IN REVIEW

FEBRUARY 23 Springfield-1, Lowell-4

FEBRUARY 24 Springfield-3, Hartford-4

FEBRUARY 25 Springfield-2, Norfolk-5

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

MARCH 1 Springfield @ Philadelphia 7:05 PM Wachovia Center

MARCH4 Springfield @ Bridgeport 7:05 PM Bridgeport's Arena at Harbor Yard

MARCH 5 Springfield @ Portland 4:05 PM Cumberland County Civic Center

*Radio Broadcasts on WMAS 1450 AM

*Watch Live on the B-2 Network



ECHL Stories from February 28, 2006


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