Morlang Tallies Second Hat Trick of Season in 4-1 Win Over Stockton

Published on February 10, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Fresno, Calif. - John Morlang tallied his second hat trick of the season, and also added an assist, leading the Fresno Falcons to a 4-1 win over the Stockton Thunder on Saturday in front of 12,590 fans at Save Mart Center.

Stockton scored the only goal of the opening period at 4:05. Andy Contois skated into the Fresno zone and had his shot from the left-wing circle stopped by Kris Mayotte, but Brian Lee gathered in the rebound, and swept a shot through Mayotte's five hole to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead.

The Falcons penalty kill helped to keep their deficit at just one goal, killing off three Thunder power-plays in the first period, including a five-minute major to Matt Stefanishion midway through the period.

Fresno's special teams went to work early in the second period to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead.

Morlang scored a shorthanded goal at 3:05 to pull Fresno even. Goaltender Tim Boron came way out of net to try to get to a loose puck in his own zone, but he was unsuccessful. The puck found its way to the blue line where P.O. Beaulieu fed Morlang at the top of the crease, and he swept it into the wide open net for his 10th goal of the season.

Fresno's power play then went to work, giving the Falcons a 2-1 lead at 5:50. Morlang won a neutral zone face-off for Igor Gongalsky, who sprung Brady Leisenring into the Stockton zone. Leisenring raced down the slot, and beat Boron for his 12th of the year.

Morlang added his second of the night on a power play 6:43 into the third period to give Fresno a two-goal lead. Luke Curtin's shot from the right point found its way onto Morlang's stick on the far post and he knocked the puck past Boron making it 3-1. The assist for Curtin extended his scoring streak to eight games.

Morlang capped his hat trick at 12:29, beating Boron on a long shot from the left point, and giving Fresno a 4-1 lead. Gongalsky earned his third assist of the night on the goal.

Fresno travels to Victoria for a two-game series against the Salmon Kings on Monday and Tuesday, with both games starting at 7:05 p.m. from Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. Catch all of the action on 790 ESPN Radio, The Deuce, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 6:45.

The Falcons return home on Monday, February 18, hosting the Stockton Thunder in a President's Day Matinee at 1:00 p.m. The first 2,000 fans in attendance receive a Freddie Falcon for President bobblehead, courtesy of Little Caesar's, ABC 30, and 93.7 KISS Country.

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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from February 10, 2008


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.

OurSports Central