Falcons to Battle River Rats at Nest Tonight
March 19, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Springfield, Mass..â The Springfield Falcons will look for their third straight win when the team faces the Albany River Rats at the Springfield Civic Center tonight. Game time is 7:05 p.m. The teams have split their previous four match-ups this season. It is the final meeting of the season between the clubs in Springfield.
Fans attending tonight's game are encouraged to participate in the evening's TEDDY BEAR TOSS brought to you by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas. Fans should bring a new stuffed toy to toss onto the ice during one of the intermissions. All toys will be donated to local Fire & Police Departments and EMS Units.
The Falcons are coming off a 4-3 win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the Civic Center last night. Team captain Shane Willis returned to the Falcons' lineup to tally a goal and an assist after missing the previous 13 games with an injury. Left wing Derek Bekar, who had missed 10 contests, also returned to action and recorded a pair of assists. Justin Kelly skated at center between the two veterans and contributed a goal and assist in his second game with the Falcons since being called up from the UHL's Adirondack Frostbite last week.
Against the River Rats this season, eight different Falcons have scored goals including former River Rats center Craig Darby. Darby has posted a goal and two assists against his former club this season. Goaltender Brian Eklund has been in the Springfield net for each of the prior encounters, recording a 2.01 goals against average and .941 save percentage. River Rats center Pascal Rheume has scored three goals among four points versus the Falcons to lead his club in the season series.
The River Rats signed former Boston College star and three-year New Jersey Devils forward Brian Gionta on Monday. Gionta collected and assist in his season debut with Albany last night â a 5-3 road loss to the Rochester Americans. The River Rats are in the midst of a six-game losing streak (0-5-0-1).
To purchase tickets, visit the Springfield Civic Center box office, call (413) 787-6600 or (800) 639-8602, or to order online, log onto www.falconsahl.com.
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American Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2005
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- Moss gathers every shot in Edmonton's 2-0 win - Grand Rapids Griffins
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