Three Days, Three Games, Three Victories

October 21, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


The defending Taylor Cup Champion Fresno Falcons held one final ceremony to honor last season's title run when they presented championship rings and unveiled the championship banner in the rafters at Selland Arena this past Friday night. With the festivities honoring last year's club finished, this year's Falcons went out and defeated the Idaho Steelheads twice and the Anchorage Aces once to complete a perfect weekend of hockey.

After more than five periods of scoreless hockey this season, captain Jason Weaver finally notched Fresno's first goal of the year mid-way through the third period of Friday's game against Idaho. The goal set the stage for the Falcons' 2-1 shootout victory and their first win of the season. The next night goaltender Terry Friesen put the team on his back, making 27 saves in a 3-2 Fresno win to complete a two-game sweep of the Steelheads. The weekend ended yesterday with Kris Porter pouring in four goals to lead the Falcons to a 6-3 decision over the Aces.

The three victories vaulted Fresno into a first place tie with the San Diego Gulls and give the champs a record of 3-1-0 and six points.

MOORE AND PORTER ENTER THE RECORD BOOKS

Head coach and general manager Blaine Moore became the Falcons' all-time leader in victories by a coach with his 107th win behind the bench on Sunday evening. Having just begun his fourth year, Moore surpassed the 106 games won by former Falcons head coach Guy Gadowsky and now has a record of 107-92-21.

Kris Porter's four goals on Sunday also put him in the Falcons' record book. His feat, which had not been accomplished since the 1997-98 season, tied the mark held by former Falcons Gadowsky, Craig Lyons and Brandy Semchuk. Porter also chipped in an assist, equaling the team record for most points in a game. Five different Falcons registered five-point games a total of 10 times before Porter's outburst, including current player/assistant coach Glen Gulutzan (four times).

HALLOWEEN JERSEYS UP NEXT

Following a grueling weekend of three games in three days, the Falcons now have more than a week off before their next game. They take the ice next against the Gulls on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. The team will wear special edition Halloween jerseys to be auctioned off following Fresno's game at home on Saturday, Nov. 2, against the Steelheads. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit Crime Stoppers. Tickets to all games are still available through Ticketmaster and the Selland Arena Box Office.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

The Falcons took today off and will practice Tuesday – Friday at Gateway Ice Center from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.



ECHL Stories from October 21, 2002


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