
Title Defense Begins on Losing Note
October 14, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
The Taylor Cup Champion Fresno Falcons opened their 2002-2003 season on Saturday night in Bakersfield with a 4-0 shutout loss to the Condors.
Despite outshooting Bakersfield 35-22, Fresno never solved Bakersfield goaltender Kevin St. Pierre. Special teams was another key factor in the game as the Falcons failed to score on all 10 of their power play opportunities while the Condors were two for eight. Last season opponents shutout the Falcons three times, the last coming at the hands of the Tacoma Sabercats on Dec. 12, 2001.
OPENING WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA
The Falcons kick-off a nine-game homestand this coming weekend with an opening weekend extravaganza highlighted by a championship celebration on Friday night in the home opener.
The Taylor Cup Championship banner will be raised Friday and returning players from last year's Cup-winning team will receive their Championship rings prior to a Finals re-match with the Idaho Steelheads. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at Selland Arena, and the first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive championship posters courtesy of The Fresno Bee and Carl's Jr.
Fresno plays Idaho again on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with the first 5,000 fans receiving a Falcons magnet schedule compliments of Spinal Health Center and Institute of Technology. The Anchorage Aces make their first visit to Selland on Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m. The first 2,000 fans will receive a Falcons schedule cup.
TICKETS, TICKETS, TICKETS
Seats are still available for all three Falcons games this coming weekend but are going fast. Fans can purchase tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Selland Arena Box Office, which is open Monday â Friday, 10 a.m. â 6 p.m., and weekend game days at 2 p.m.
Single-game tickets range in price from $6 general admission seats to $14 for seats along center ice. Discounts for groups of 20 or more are also available by calling the Falcons offices at 485-PUCK (7825).
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
The Falcons will practice Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m. at Gateway Ice Center. Pre-game skates will be held on Friday and Saturday mornings at Selland Arena at 10 a.m. each day.
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