Thunder Salutes Fresno Falcons this Saturday

February 10, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Stockton Thunder News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Thunder is scheduled to host "Fresno Falcons Tribute Night" this Saturday at Stockton Arena, when the Thunder host the Bakersfield Condors at 7:30 p.m.

Paying tribute to its former rival in the Pacific Division, the Thunder is offering Falcons fans a special discount on group tickets (available by calling the Thunder at (209) 373-1500 prior to Saturday, Feb. 14). The night will be highlighted by a special gestures to the Falcons place in the world of hockey via in-game entertainment, appearances and more!

"The Fresno Falcons have been a very integral part of growing minor league hockey on the west coast," said Thunder president Dan Chapman. "And while they are no longer a part of the ECHL for the time being, we thought it would be a nice gesture to recognize their fans and show there is still a commitment to pro hockey from many of them. Furthermore, with Matt Thomas and Ryan Mougenel now a part of our coaching staff, as well as many of their players on board here in Stockton, it made even more sense."

Famed Falcons mascot "Freddie the Falcon" is scheduled to make an appearance at the game while a Stockton Arena videoboard montage will salute Falcons greats in team history, the fans and the organization.

A mystery Falcons player jersey will be highlighted in the game's traditional "Jersey Raffle," a popular in-game contest amongst fans at Stockton Arena. Thunder head coach Matt Thomas, who was at the helm for Fresno from 2005-08, is scheduled to deliver a public address tribute to all fans in attendance on the ice surface of Stockton Arena immediately following the game's conclusion.

To date, two former Falcons dot the Thunder roster. Defenseman Matt O'Dette, 33, spent four seasons-plus (2004-08) with the Falcons and fellow blueliner Daryl Marcoux was a member of Fresno in 2007-08 and 2008-09. Both O'Dette and Marcoux were members of Fresno's roster before the club ceased operations on Dec. 22, 2008.

Thunder forwards and former Falcons Judd Blackwater (Rockford), Igor Gongalsky (San Antonio) and defenseman Kenny MacAulay (Portland) are currently on loan to their respective clubs in the American Hockey League.

The proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers and American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons, the Thunder has led the ECHL in attendance for three consecutive seasons and drew 239,337 fans to Stockton Arena in 2007-08. Season tickets for 2008-09 are now on sale. For more information about tickets, merchandise, or other inquiries contact the Stockton Thunder offices at (209) 373-1500 or visit www.stocktonthunder.com.



ECHL Stories from February 10, 2009


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