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Falcons sign first two for 2006-07

June 8, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons have signed their first two players for next season by inking defensemen Cory Murphy and Matt O'Dette to contracts for the 2006-07 ECHL campaign.

"Defense is the cornerstone of winning championships and with the return of Cory and Matt we get one d-man who provides a dangerous element of offense from the blue line and another that's your classic big, strong stay-at-home presence, respectively," said Falcons head coach and general manager Matt Thomas.

Murphy's season ended prematurely last year when he went down with a broken leg and dislocated ankle on Feb. 24. At the time, the now 10th-year pro had compiled 35 points (10g-25a) in just 38 games and was on pace to set career highs as the team's highest scoring defenseman. Next season will mark Murphy's fifth in a Falcons uniform as he registered three straight 50-point campaigns from 2000-2003 on his way to becoming the organization's all-time leading scorer among defensemen.

"Our power play struggled at times during the playoffs, and certainly having Cory back there on the blue line would have made a big difference," commented Thomas. "He's already made great strides in rehabbing his injury, and we expect he'll be back at full strength when the season begins."

O'Dette returns for his third season with the Falcons and, like Murphy, will be playing in his 10th professional campaign. Last season he tied a career-best by appearing in 69 games during the regular season and finished with 16 points (3g-13a) and 166 penalty minutes, both the second highest totals of his career.

Added Thomas, "Matt was our captain last year and his leadership played a big part in helping us get as far as we did. He spent a long time at the next level, and he serves as a great example not only to our younger guys but to our entire club of what it takes to be a successful pro."

Season tickets are already on sale for the Falcons' 2006-07 ECHL season. Guarantee great seats to 36 action-packed home games at Save Mart Center for as little as $324 with just a $100 deposit. Contact the Falcons at (559) 485-PUCK (7825) to reserve your seats today!



ECHL Stories from June 8, 2006


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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