Stirling Leads Falcons to 3-1 win over Grizzlies

February 17, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


West Valley City, Utah - Scott Stirling turned aside 44 shots to backstop the Fresno Falcons to a 3-1 win over the Utah Grizzlies on Saturday night at The E Center. Fresno takes two of three games in the series with Utah.

Dustin VanBallegooie staked the Falcons to a 1-0 lead just 1:16 into the game. Tomas Fojtik intercepted a pass in the neutral zone, and skated across the Utah line taking a long slap shot from the right point. Rob McVicar made the save, but the rebound settled on VanBallegooie's stick in the left-wing circle, and he slid a shot into the open net for his ninth goal of the season.

Fresno extended its lead to 2-0 8:36 into the second period with a power-play goal. Cory Murphy took a pass from John Morlang in the high slot, and blasted a shot past McVicar for his ninth of the season. The goal was just the Falcons' second in their last 50 power-play opportunities on the road.

Brett Hammond added to the lead with his fourth goal of the season at 13:21. VanBallegooie skated down the left-wing side, and fed a pass in front, and Hammond was able to slide a shot past McVicar to make it 3-0.

But, Utah would get the goal right back just 21 seconds later. Joel Irving had his shot from the right-wing circle stopped by Stirling, but Danny Stewart flipped the rebound past the Falcons' goaltender for his 11th goal of the season, and his sixth against the Falcons.

That was enough for Stirling, as he stopped all nine shots he faced in the final period to record his ninth win of the season, and his first since January 20.

The Falcons return home on Monday, February 19, hosting the Bakersfield Condors in a President's Day matinee at 1:00 p.m. Silver seats are only $7 and gold seats are just $8.50. Following the game, join the Falcons for a post-game celebration at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. The Falcons players will be taking the bus to Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino after the President's Day game for dinner and some gaming. The bus ride is free for season ticket holders and $25 for non season ticket holders (Includes a buffet dinner, must be 21 to participate). Call the Falcons at (559) 485-PUCK for more details.



ECHL Stories from February 17, 2007


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