Gongalsky Lifts Falcons Past Condors in Shootout

December 2, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Bakersfield, Calif. - Igor Gongalsky scored three goals, and added the game-winning goal in the sixth round of the shootout, as the Fresno Falcons defeated the Bakersfield Condors 7-6 in front of 7,207 fans on Saturday at Rabobank Arena.

The Condors got off to a quick start, opening the scoring just 1:08 into the first period. Kevin Truelson moved the puck to Tim Konsorada at the top of the crease, and he flipped a shot past Kris Mayotte for his 11th goal of the season.

But, the Falcons answered quickly, notching the tying goal just eight seconds later. Matt Stefanishion had his shot stopped by Yutaka Fukufuji, but Jarrett Konkle on the doorstep was able to push the puck into the goal to tie the score at 1.

Fresno went ahead at 11:38. Gongalsky skated into the Bakersfield zone, and from just inside the blue line, beat Fukufuji high to the glove side to make it 2-1 Falcons.

Fresno's power play added to the lead at 16:58. Fukufuji came way out and was out of position, and Gongalsky was able to slide the puck into an open net giving the Falcons a two-goal lead after 20 minutes of play.

Oren Eizenman tallied the Falcons second power-play goal of the night 4:01 into the second period to extend the lead to 4-1. Eizenman kept the puck alive behind the Bakersfield net, and skated to the far post, beating Fukufuji for his eighth goal of the season.

Bakersfield pulled back within one, as Sean Venedam scored a pair of goals just 1:16 apart midway through the period, but the Falcons regained the two-goal lead prior to the end of the period at 15:32. Konkle moved the puck to Stefanishion in the right-wing circle, and he fought off a defender and beat Fukufuji through the legs for his first goal with the Falcons.

Gongalsky capped his hat trick 41 seconds into the final period to give the Falcons a 6-3 lead. Fukufuji stopped the initial offering from Eizenman, but Gongalsky banged it home for his eighth of the season.

Again, the Condors came back with two goals just 1:04 apart to pull back within one. Mark Derlago scored from the right-wing circle at 2:17, and then at 3:21, Todd Griffith put a rebound past Mayotte for a power-play tally to make it 6-5.

Bakersfield tied the game with 41.5 seconds left in regulation as Andrew Ianiero beat Mayotte on a rebound opportunity on the far post.

In the shootout, both teams scored twice through five rounds, setting up a sudden-death situation. Mayotte stopped Mark Derlago's shot, and Gongalsky beat Jamie Hodson on his shot in round six to give Fresno the win.

The Falcons return home to host Bakersfield on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. on Soft Rock 98.9 and Comcast Cable Kids' Day. All kids 14 and younger can purchase tickets for just $7. The game also features the annual Mascot Broomball Game during the first intermission, presented by Little Caesar's. Fans are also encouraged to bring canned food items to the game to benefit the Community Food Bank.

Tickets for all Falcons' home games can be purchased at the Save Mart Center Box Office, or through TicketMaster at (559) 485-TIXS or www.ticketmaster.com. All Falcons games air on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show 15 minutes prior to face off.



ECHL Stories from December 2, 2007


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