Mele and MacLeod Score for Falcons in LOss
September 28, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release
The Falcons dropped their first preseason game against the Connecticut Whale by a score of 4-2 on Wednesday at the MassMutual Center. Despite a third period rally, the Falcons couldn't overcome a pair of early first period Connecticut goals.
The Whale netted the first goal just 26-seconds into the night with a Kelsey Tessier deflection assisted by a Tommy Grant centering pass. Grant notched his second assist of the night with a similar pass to Scott Tanski in front at 11:44, putting the Falcons in an early 2-goal hole. Despite a late burst by Falcons forward Oliver Gabriel the Falcons headed to the locker room down two.
In the second period, the Whale's scoring continued when Jordan Owens put one past Falcons' goaltender Mike Spillane 6 minutes and 24 seconds into the period. Brian Mahoney-Wilson replaced Spillane between the pipes for the Falcons shortly after as the two goaltender split the duties. With only 1:24 left on the clock Tanski potted his second goal for the Whale putting the Falcons in a 4-goal deficit after two.
The Falcons started the third period on the attack with their first goal of the preseason coming from Tom Mele less than a minute in. Wade MacLeod made it a two-goal game with a power play blast for the Falcons with 10:16 left on the clock. The Falcons couldn't complete the comeback and finished the game with a 4-2 loss to the Whale.
Falcons starting goaltender Spillane saw 33 minutes of ice time stopping 18 of 21 shots. Mahoney-Wilson finished the game with 13 saves on 12 shots for the Falcons.
Falcons head coach Rob Riley says the preseason is a great chance for players to make a statement. "It's a good opportunity for guys to make an impression on us," said Riley. "When it comes time to call guys up, which well have to do this year, tonight's game and Friday's are good opportunities for them to show us."
The Falcons next preseason matchup is at the Providence Bruins on Friday Sept. 30, at 7:00 p.m.
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