Falcons to Begin Search for New GM/Head Coach
April 20, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Falcons have chosen not to renew the contract of Head Coach Greg Spenrath. With General Manager Blaine Moore having already announced his decision to leave the organization, the Falcons will immediately begin the search for one individual to fill both the vacant head coach and general manager positions.
"Anytime you make a decision like this it is always tough, but especially so in this case," said Falcons owner Charles Davenport. "Greg Spenrath has given everything he has to this organization for the past 10 years, which includes helping to lead us to a championship three years ago. His number 27 is hanging from the rafters for good reason, and as a coach he worked extremely hard and was well-liked and respected by our players. I have the utmost regard for Greg and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
"At the end of the day, though, we have failed to make the playoffs two years in a row. With Blaine leaving as well, I felt it was time for a fresh start. I expect and our fans deserve a team that competes for the Kelly Cup Championship every season, and I'm committed to finding the right person to lead the Falcons back to the post-season for a chance to win another title."
Spenrath took over as the fourth head coach in team history on Dec. 15, 2003, when Moore relinquished his head coaching duties to focus solely on his GM responsibilities. Through the remainder of the 2003-04 campaign and the entirety of the 2004-05 season, Spenrath compiled a 54-53-12 record, leading the Falcons within four points of qualifying for this year's Kelly Cup Playoffs.
His distinguished playing career as a Falcon spanned parts of all eight seasons the team spent in the West Coast Hockey League. Spenrath became Moore's top assistant following the club's 2001-02 Taylor Cup Championship, and his #27 sweater was retired during the 2002-03 season with the former Falcons captain hanging up his skates as the team's all-time leader in games played and penalty minutes.
The Falcons are currently accepting season ticket renewals for the 2005-06 regular season, which will include tickets to the 2006 ECHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition presented by Bud Light. Current season ticket holders have until May 2 to submit a $75 per seat deposit to renew their same seats or relocate their seats for next year. After the May 2 deadline, new season ticket holders may begin purchasing ticket packages and current season ticket holders will no longer be able to guarantee their desired seat location. For more information, please call the Falcons offices at (559) 485-PUCK (7825).
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