THE UNOFFICIAL

The Fresno Falcons Are Done

2008-12-24T01:40:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The Fresno Falcons are officially closed for business. Pro hockey in Fresno is no more. You could say it's the economy but I'm not buying that. Other valley cities (Bakersfield and Stockton) are at the top of the ECHL in attendance and are doing well. So this just comes down to bad management and apathetic Fresnans. I love the Falcons and will miss them terribly and I can understand why my fellow Fresnans couldn't at least match up to Stockton and Bakersfield.

I Also feel bad for the Falcon players and coaching staff. Head Coach Matt Thomas has worked his ass off for this franchise and Fresno has been lucky to have him here. This just plain sucks. Fresno = Fail!

(This is probably the last post on this blog, please check www.thefresnan.com from now on. Thanks.)

ORIGINAL POST: It was a bit of a rough weekend for Fresno sports. Coach Hill's Bulldogs lost another game they shouldn't have, and word is, due to money problems with the Falcons owners, Fresno's ECHL franchise is close to folding. The ECHL needs to know what the Falcons are doing and if the city doesn't step in and help, what the Falcons may be doing is not playing hockey.

This can't really be happening, can it? Was it actually a bad call for the Falcons to move back to Selland or does that have little to do with it? Are we ready for 60 years of Falcon hockey to be done?

Best. Falcon Name. Ever.

2008-10-04T00:43:00.000-07:00

I know you haven't been thinking about it, what with the Bulldogs and all, but the Fresno Falcons are only a few weeks away from starting up their Blackhawk affiliated season in a revamped Selland Arena.

So, right now, the Falcons are signing up players to fill their roster and today they made a big signing, just in name alone: Rob Klinkhammer. Klinkhammer. If that isn't the greatest name in Fresno Falcons history, I don't know what is - sorry Greg Spenrath.

[Photo: Dailypress2]

A little bit of Chicago in Fresno

2008-08-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

After going last year without a NHL affiliate, the Fresno Falcons have just hooked up with the Chicago Blackhawks to be the Blackhawks ECHL affiliate.

In previous seasons, the Falcons were linked up with the San Jose Sharks. This produced little in the way of future Sharks playing for the Falcons. Except for former Falcon, Nolan Schaefer. Nolan is now a (sometimes) NHL goalie that tended for the Sharks and currently the Minnesota Wild.

I hope Chicago treats Fresno better than San Jose did. The Sharks seemed to forget they had the Falcons as an affiliate. Even if the Blackhawks do forget about the Falcons, I still can't wait to see the Falcons back at Selland. Too bad the Legacy Project is falling apart.

Blog Sucks, Oren Doesn't

2008-01-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

I would like to OFFICIALLY apologize for the lack of postings this season (again). I suck as hard as the Condors do.

Anyway, congrats to Fresno Falcon rookie Oren Eizenman for being voted rookie of the month in the ECHL. Hopefully, the Falcons can keep him around this season and not lose him to Worchester - those little thieving bastards.

Fresno about to end Bakersfield's season

2007-11-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Big chance this weekend for the Falcons to bury the Condors earlier than even the biggest Evil Condor Hater could have ever thought. Right now, Bako is craping all over the basement of the Pacific Division with their little 11 points.

Friday the Falcons begin a back-to-back-to-back series with the Condors (gotta love that ECHL scheduling). That is six points they can take from Bako. Sorry Condor fans but that would give the Condors an early death for the 2007/08 season.

The best thing about that, Mr. Condor blogger (Nick Blogardes) would have NOTHING left to smack off about. Poor little Condor.

Falcon beats Condor every time (UPDATED)

2007-11-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

UPDATED WITH FALCONS/CONDOR LINE BRAWL:

Condor Bloggers are cool but they suck

2007-10-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Bakersfield Condor blogger Nick Belardes is so evil, when he name drops he completely jacks it up. On purpose? I think so. It's pronounced "See" you stupid Condor lover, not ShheeAaaa.

Still, nice to get on the Bako news:

A Unofficial season begins

2007-10-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Finally, The Unofficial is back. Sorry for the consistent inconsistency of the posts on this blog. Working on The Fresnan takes up too much blogging time and this blog suffers for it.

To try and make it up to the readers, here's a video I put together of Friday's Falcons opener. Enjoy and the Condors still suck and are evil

Unofficial comeback

2007-09-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

Have you heard that Greg Spenrath is making a comeback with the Falcons? You haven't? Well, read this then watch this video of Greg and Falcon bossman John Tull on KSEE 24's morning show.

Now you're Unofficially filled in.

Faclon Alumn needs your help to reunite

2007-09-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

I got this email from Arnie Porter, please help him find some of his old teammates. Here is his letter:

My name is Arnie Porter and I am a former player with the Falcons.

I played in 1977-78 which is a year we won the league championship. I also played for three years in Europe and was invited to Detroit Red Wings rookie camp in 1979 but decided to play Senior "A" hockey in Cambridge for the Cambridge Hornets and return to school.

Since this season will be the 30 year anniversary of our championship season, I am interested in organizing a team reunion in Fresno. Over the years, I have lost touch with my former teammates and last saw the Falcons play in the 1990's in Palm Beach Florida. I believe a former teammate of mine - Glen Heintz was an assistant coach at the time although he wasn't at the game I attended.

I am currently the owner/operator of two golf courses in the Toronto area (see www.royalwoodbine.com and www.maplesofballantrae.com) and spend my winters in Arizona and summers in Toronto.

Some of the players I played with include:

Mike Domeir
Daryl Lauer
Glen Heintz
Rick Johnson
Lome Nadeau - Coach
Larry Nadeau
Mike Bascom

Any help you could provide me would be greatly appreciated and I'm sure it would be fun for the current roster and fans to meet some of the former players and perhaps introduce us at a game.

Sincerely Yours,

Arnie Porter

Alright, lets help Arnie get this together. I for one would like to see them introduced at a game this season. Please email him at: aporter0509@rogers.com

A Falcons fan says goobye

2007-08-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Not everybody leaves Fresno running as they flip us the bird, some people are sad to go. Like long time Fresno Falcons fan, Jami.

Jami proves her Falcons love in a recent farewell to Fresno blog post:
"Fresno Falcon Hockey was my life...the sounds the smell and the friends."

At least Jami can still listen to the Falcons, wherever she goes - getting the smells is gonna be tough though...probably a good thing.

Falcon players will get laid with more parking

2007-08-15T22:13:00.000-07:00

The Falcons moving back to Selland (in 2008) is a good thing - as long as Selland updates the scoreboard and the concourse. The Ice Rink Apartments are a good thing too!

But taking away parking, while adding more people needing to park, is stupid.

The parking garage is great UNTIL THERE'S AN ACTUAL EVENT DOWN THERE! It takes a good thirty minutes or more to get out of there after an event. And that's with the lot (that would be gone) still there.

Imagine if you're a member of the Falcons, living in your new kickass Selland Arena "parking lot pad" [and you're parked in the garage] and you've got to pick up a hot date right at the time an Alice in Chains concert lets out - you're late to that date my friend and your chances of getting laid that night are diminished - and hockey players like getting laid!

Falcons fall

2007-04-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

MIKE: Go ahead...

Mike whimpers and begins to tear-up.

MIKE: Go ahead Bakersfield...just...just take it...JUST TAKE IT ALL...stupid Condors...

Mike begins crying.

MIKE: YOU BASTARDS! HOW COULD YOU!? I hope you're happy.

Mike places both hands on Condor Fan's shoulders and pulls him close.

MIKE: Earn this...you earn this.

Those damn evil Bakers

2007-04-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Bako vs. Fresno rivalry is officially fiery. Fresno Bee beat writer for the Falcons, Ken Robison, has fired the first shot across the ConSucks beak with this article in today's paper.

Then, Bakersfield blogger, Nick Belardes, fired off some of his classic Bako crap on his blog today. - click and check it.

MMMMMMMM Condor Meat

2007-04-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

Perfect. Simply perfect. Fresno against Bakersfield in the first round of the ECHL playoffs. I wonder what Nick Belardes or Matildakay thinks of all this.

Never mind them, here's what a couple Falcons think of the upcoming series:

VanBallegooie: "We can't wait. Everyone here believes we can beat Bakersfield."

Coach Thomas: "It's going to be a war."

Two Minute Penalty for Lazy Blogging

2007-03-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Since this blog's creativeness is at an all time low, I thought I would default to Joe Babik's weekly Falcons press release:

LAST WEEK: Fresno went 2-1-0 last week during its three-game series in Idaho , improving its overall record to 32-22-5for 69 points. The Falcons are in third place of the Pacific Division, and in fifth place of the National Conference, two points behind fourth-place Idaho .
Thursday, March 8 @ Idaho Steelheads 6 FALCONS 1

Fresno opened its three-game road trip with a 6-1 loss in Boise . The Steelheads scored twice in each of the three periods on their way to the win. Brett Hammond tallied the lone goal in the loss for the Falcons.

Friday, March 9 @ Idaho FALCONS 3 Steelheads 1

Luke Curtin and John Wroblewski got the Falcons off to a quick start, scoring goals in the opening 9:15 of the first period. Idaho pulled within one midway through the second period on Alexander Naurov’s first professional goal. The Falcons maintained their 2-1 lead the rest of the way, with John Morlang scoring an empty-net goal with one second left in the third period to set the final.

Saturday, March 10 @ Idaho FALCONS 4 Steelheads 3

The Falcons rallied with three third-period goals to pick up a big 4-3 win on Saturday. Brett Hammond pulled Fresno within one just 36 seconds into the third period, and John Wroblewski tied the score with a power-play goal at 5:18. The Falcons received a power-play late in regulation, and Luke Curtin converted, scoring the game-winning goal with 1:13 remaining in the game. Scott Stirling made 25 saves to record his 14th win of the season.

THIS WEEK’S GAMES

Tuesday, March 13 @ Las Vegas 7:05 p.m.

The Falcons conclude their four-game road trip with the eighth and final meeting this season against the Wranglers. Fresno is 3-4-0 overall against Las Vegas this season, and is 1-2-0 at Orleans Arena. Las Vegas is tied with Bakersfield for first place in the Pacific Division with an overall record of 34-12-14 for 82 points.

Friday, March 16 vs. Alaska 7:30 p.m.

Alaska makes its first visit to Save Mart Center since last spring’s National Conference Finals. The Falcons are 1-4-0 against the Aces this season, with Alaska winning each of the last four meetings. Alaska is the top team in the ECHL with a record of 43-13-4 for 90 points.

PROMOTIONS: Friday’s game is presented by K-JEWEL and ABC 30. The first 5,000 fans in attendance receive a Cory Murphy Player Card courtesy of Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.

Saturday, March 17 vs. Idaho 7:30 p.m.

The Falcons meet the Steelheads for the sixth of seven times this season. Fresno is 2-3-0 against Idaho this season, and 0-2-0 at home. The Steelheads have a two-point lead over the Falcons for fourth place in the National Conference.

PROMOTIONS: St. Patrick's Day Celebration featuring free Green Pucks to the first 3,000 fans courtesy of Supercuts and 95.7 The Fox. The Falcons will be wearing Green Jerseys sponsored by Mad Town Auto Stereo and Accessories and CBS 47 to be auctioned off after the game to benefit the Fresno Police Chief's Foundation.

Sunday, March 18 vs. Alaska 5:00 p.m.

Alaska returns to Save Mart Center as the Falcons and Aces meet for the seventh and final time during the regular season.

PROMOTIONS: Sunday Kids’ Day, presented by Pump It Up, Comcast Cable, GW School Supply, and Soft Rock 98.9. All kids tickets are half price for the game. Sunday also features the annual Mascot Broomball Game during the first intermission. It’s also Military Appreciation Night with the Falcons, with all active military and veteran organizations admitted free of charge courtesy of the Fresno Sports Foundation. Call the Falcons at (559) 485-PUCK for more details. Following the game, join the Falcons’ players for a post-game party at Logan ’s Roadhouse, located at 7507 Blackstone Avenue near River Park .

FALCONS NOTES

Ø Fresno is 31-4-1 when scoring three or more goals in a game, and just 1-18-4 when scoring two goals or less.

Ø The Falcons are 6-1-0 when playing the third game of a three-game in three-night series.

Ø John Morlang has 16 points (7g, 9a) in his last 12 games.

Ø Luke Curtin has at least one point in 12 of the last 14 games, tallying nine goals and adding 12 assists over that span.

Game rescheduled, Bako wants to fight

2007-02-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

News flash from Joe Babik:

FALCONS/CONDORS GAME POSTPONED

Fresno, Calif. – This afternoon’s game between the Fresno Falcons and Bakersfield Condors at Save Mart Center was postponed due to unsafe ice conditions. The game will be rescheduled for a later date.

Fresno is off until Sunday when it travels to Long Beach for a 5:00 p.m. face-off against the Ice Dogs. all of the action on 1550 and 96.1 Sporting News Radio starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 4:45.

I think those dirty Condors may want to fight some more:

No ice no Falcons?

2007-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Matt James, probably the Bee's best columnist, wrote a great piece about the Fresno Falcons and how they might have to move if there's no Fresno ice to practice on. Basically saying, if nobody does anything about this lack of ice problem, problem solved: Matt James story.

Record Shredded - Suck it Bakersfield

2007-02-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

I just wish we could get this many people out to a Falcons game all the time. Well, not ALL the time, that many people in the Save Mart Center is actually annoying. But it was great for a night.

I'll let Joe Babik tell the rest of the story:

SEVENTH LARGEST CROWD IN ECHL HISTORY SEES FALCONS DOWN THUNDER

14,023 fans at Save Mart Center as Fresno ends five-game winless streak

Fresno, Calif. – The Fresno Falcons scored a season-high three power-play goals, including two from John Wroblewski, and Ryan MacDonald made 37 saves to lead the Falcons to a 3-1 on Saturday in front of a Falcons’ team record 14,023 fans at Save Mart Center . The single-game attendance is the seventh highest in the 19-year history of the ECHL.

Stockton took a 1-0 lead into the locker room after one period courtesy of an Eric Main goal 3:02 into the contest. Main took a shot from the top of the left-wing circle that beat Falcons’ goaltender Ryan MacDonald high to the glove side.

The Falcons pulled even with a power-play goal 2:39 into the second period. Dustin VanBallegooie’s shot from the point was deflected out of midair by Wroblewski, who tipped it past goaltender Cam Ellsworth for the tying goal.

Fresno ’s power play struck again at 5:32 to take a 2-1 lead. Luke Curtin took a pass from Cory Murphy, and had his shot tipped in front by Wroblewski, who picked up his second goal of the night.

Luke Curtin gave the Falcons a 3-1 lead 11:35 into the third period with Fresno ’s season high third power-play goal of the game. Curtin took a pass from Murphy, and blasted a shot past Ellsworth from the right-wing circle. John Morlang earned an assist on the goal, giving him 200 points in his professional career.

Fresno’s penalty kill was as lethal as its power-play on Saturday, killing off all six Stockton man-advantage chances.

The Falcons improve to 6-0-0 against the Thunder this season, and 15-0-1 all-time.

Fresno opens a two-game series in Alaska on Tuesday, with face-off set for 8:15 p.m. PT. Catch all of the play-by-play action on 1550 Sporting News Radio, starting with the Port of Subs Pre-Game Show at 8:00. - Joe Babik

Could the Falcons go away with the Gateway Ice?

2007-01-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

The Falcons practice ice is in trouble. Gateway Ice Center is looking for help to take over the facitlity. If nobody steps in - like the city - the closest ice to skate on will be at Curry Village.

At least the issue is getting some play. The Gateway has a petition going, the Falcons Forum is buzzing, folks are writing about it on Fresno Famous and Bill Ferguson has written a letter to the Bee.

The Falcons need a place to practice. The Fresno State team needs a place to play. Fresnans need a place to skate. Someone needs to step up.

Bobblehead Friendly Freddie

2007-01-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

Now that Freddie has a new, less scary, look; What will Bobblehead Belardes have to write about?

More puck in '07

2006-12-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, I admit it, this blog has been pretty lame lately. At least the Falcons have been good with the beating of the other Highway 99 rival and what not.

I hope to have more Falcons Cast's and blog posting’s in the 2007 portion of the Fresno Falcons season. In the meantime, check out the Falcon Player Blog, Falcons Musings and evil Bako’ writers Matildakay and NL.

Fresno moves on quickly

2006-12-06T23:28:00.000-08:00

While Bakersfield still celebrates their VICTORY from Saturday night, Fresno has moved on by BEATING a tough Alaska team.

It's nice to throw Bako a bone once in a while. Makes them feel usefull.

Friday night "action"

2006-11-29T20:27:00.000-08:00

You can always count on Bakersfield girls for being great "Slump Busters" -errr, I mean Bakersfield Suckdors...errr, I mean Condors.

Many thanks to Bako for breaking the Falcons out of their slump Tuesday night.

Hopefully, Bakersfield will give-it-up to Fresno again Friday night in Bakersfield. Ahhh, Friday night. It's a great night for a Fresnan to find themselves a slump-buster in Bako.

New Unofficial Podcast

2006-11-08T23:24:00.000-08:00

Finally, it has come. It has been needed for quite some time. What's been needed?
A podcast about the Fresno Falcons and it is here:

Here the first ever podcast centered around being a Fresno Falcons fan. Click on this link: FalconsCast and then download the mp3 file of the first show. I hope you won't be sorry.

Something else that is new and was started by the makers of The Unofficial, is the Fresno Falcons YouTube page. Check that out by clicking: Falcons Youtube Channel.

Check them out and tell us what you think.

Strong Weekend

2006-11-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

These Falcons are looking good. Cup contender good. Yep, it's early but man, with the win over Phoenix on Friday and beating Long Beach on Saturday and top scorerPlourde not even playing yet...look out ECHL.

Speaking of looking out, keep your head up for a new Falconscast (podcast related to the Falcons) and a new YouTube page, coming this week.

Do you have any Fresno Falcons pictures from this season - or any season? Go to the Falcons Flickr Page and join the group then post your own.

A dork is loose in Save Mart this weekend

2006-11-02T23:02:00.000-08:00

The Unofficial/Dorktown will be at the Phoenix and Long Beach games this weekend. Be on the lookout for a dork with a lame messenger bag and a microphone, recording stuff for the Dorktown Podcast and maybe a new Fresno Falcons based podcast (in the works).

The Roadrunners will have one of their star defenseman BACK for Friday's game.

C U out their.

The VERY latest in Falcons media

2006-10-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

This just in from Joe Babik and the cool ECHL new department:

Jack Carnefix, ECHL Vice President of Communications, (609) 452-0770, Ext. 16

PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL announced on Tuesday that fans can now access game scores, game summaries and league standings on their cellular telephone and wireless devices at http://wap.echl.leaguestat.com/.

The “Wireless Application Protocol” site is a plain text miniature version of the statistics information available on the official web site at www.ECHL.com which is formatted to fit on a smaller screen.

In addition to the current day’s games, fans have the ability to see scores from the previous day as well as the schedule for the upcoming day and there is a link to the league standings.

"Wireless Application Protocol", if that doesn't sound like hockey, I don't know what does.

The latest in Falcons media

2006-10-25T21:07:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Falcons live at 1550snr.com or archived - the new radio man, Joe Babik, is great by the way.

Read the new player blog at FresnoFalcons.com - good luck bringing it up though.

Watch the Falcons on B2 Networks or on Channel 32.

Also, coming in the next couple weeks, a regular Falcons report by me on the Dorktown Podcast.

Kelly Quest begins

2006-10-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Falcons overcome a bad and smokey first period to beat the Wranglers and end their winless streak against Las Vegas - maybe Vegas ate too much bad Italian food in Bakersfield.

OPENING NIGHT
There was a real buzz going through the northern concourse before the game -very cool.

Seeing the Pacific Division Champion banner unveiled was great. What wasn't was the on-ice fireworks and the ensuing smoke that setoff a coughfest throughout the Save Mart Center. The smoke didn't really dissipate till the second period.

There was no radio broadcast playing in the restrooms for the game. Hopefully that was just an opening night glitch and the restroom radio will return.

I was really hoping Murphy, after making a comeback from last season's injury, would score the first goal, but assisting on it will do just fine.

Did you take some pictures from opening night? Don't forget to post them on the Falcons Flickr Page.

Other scores from the ECHL's Opening Night.

New bee season approaches

2006-10-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Fresno Bee has a spanky new redesigned website, go check it OUT. If you scroll down to the bottom of the front page, look under sports, you'll find this chippy Falcons page that brings together links to Falcons news.

Hopefully, we will see more coverage of the Falcons this year in the Bee. I wouldn't count on it though, they're barely mentioning the NHL this year. It's a good thing I have NHL Center Ice and NHL.com, otherwise I wouldn't know the season had started.

Vegas' pacific smack begins

2006-10-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

The Las Vegas Wranglers haven't even unpacked their bags since moving into the Falcons Pacific Division and already they're trash talking.

Go check Bako writer N.L. Belardes' blog for the delusional Wrangler fan musings.

Find out why Vegas has moved into Falcon territory by clicking HERE.

Fresno, meet the NHL

2006-09-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Save Mart Center fans were treated to a very solid pre-season game by the Ducks and Sharks this past Saturday night. Check out a recap of it from Yahoo Sports, complete with a picture gallery.

I was disappointed that Cheechoo didn't play (resting up) ,also fellow Shark and Hanford native Scott Parker didn't see much action either. To compound the lack of local flavor, former Fresno Falcon and current San Jose Shark - Nolan Schaefer didn't get to play due to an injury.

Hope the Sharks keep coming back but next time let's get my team, the Vancouver Canucks, to play them.

The Evil Condors

2006-09-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

It's never too early to talk about beatin' down some Bako Condor - Hell, forget about talking about it, let's watch it:

Message Board Duel

2006-08-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

One message board is not enough forum for Falcons Fan, Falcons Fan needs two! In what may be a ECHL record, Fresno Falcon fans have two, count'em TWO forums.

Disgruntled with the Falcons official board, one fan went rouge and started his own board and it has got some people coming over. It's called The Official Unofficial Message Board - In no way affiliated with this blog The Unofficial...Officially.

I Don't know if the Falcons' "official" Board Moderator is offended by this rival board.

Post Your Falcons Pictures

2006-07-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

You can't take enough pictures of your favorite team the Falcons (or favorite rival in Bako's case), can you? But what the hell do you do with them? Even your mom doesn't care, she doesn't even know what 'bad ice' is. Well, maybe your mom doesn't care, but Falcons fans do.

Here is your chance to share your Falcons photo's with the rest of the fan base. If you have a flickr account, just click this link: Fresno Falcons Group, join the group and post your Fresno Falcons pics to the group. If you don't, join up! It's free and not that hard to use: Flickr.com (then join the group and start position'!!!

New Falcons Site - No Forum Yet

2006-07-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed a newly designed Falcons website. It looks good so far but some of the features aren't working yet - namely the Fan Forum (The Unofficial will review the new site once it's done).

For all you Fresno Falcons forum junkies, here is a quick fix Old Falcons Forum. I don't think you can post anything on it though, just wander through.

For those needing to do some Falcon related posting, while we wait for the new forum, just click the comment link in this post (or any post) and comment away.

Start Planing Your Falcons Games

2006-07-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

The 2006-2007 ECHL schedule is now out and about. The Falcons open with the tough Vegas Wranglers; that's a solid opener. Check the new schedule out by clicking HERE.

Unfortunately, Fresno doesn't play Bakersfield until November 28th. Does that mean The Unofficial has to wait till the end of November before we can talk smack to Condor Blogger NL Belardes?

Doesn’t matter, we ain’t waitin’ – CONDORS PLAIN SUCK.

New Radio Dude - It's Official

2006-07-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long bloggin' break. I Just got over that overtime Alaskan heartbreaker. So, back to it.

Just in case you get all your Fresno Falcons news from The Unofficial (What are you thinking if you are?), here is the latest from Kattie Smith:

GOOD BYE "CLARKY" HELLO JOE
Fresno, Calif. – Fresno Falcons CEO John Tull announced today that the team has hired Joe Babik as Director of Media Relations. Babik will be responsible for all of the team’s media relations efforts, in addition to serving as the radio play-by-play broadcaster for all Falcon radio broadcasts.

“Joe brings five seasons of play by play experience to Fresno and we look forward to starting a new era of Fresno Falcons hockey on radio,", said John Tull.

A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Babik graduated from Syracuse University in 2001 with a degree in broadcast journalism. While at Syracuse, he served as an intern with the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch for three seasons.

Babik spent four seasons as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations with the ECHL’s Pee Dee Pride from 2001-2005. During the 2003-04 season, he was selected as one of three broadcasters for the radio broadcast of the ECHL All-Star Game in Peoria, Illinois. Last season he worked with the Adirondack Frostbite of the United Hockey League.

“I’m excited to join the Falcons organization. I’ve heard nothing but good things and am excited to start,” said Joe Babik.

Season tickets for the 2006-2007 season are on sale. Guarantee yourself great seats to 36 action-packed Falcons home games at the Save Mart Center! Starting as low as 3 easy payments of $108 per month for three months. For more information contact the Falcons front office at (559) 485-PUCK.

Too Big Of A Talent - One Amazing Game Seven

2006-05-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

Second longest game in history. What an incredible game,comeback and effort by the Falcons. I almost had to change what I began writing at the beginning of period three. Unfortunately, I didn't have to change it:

Alaska goaltender Cris Beckford-Tseu is too damn tall; It's not fair to the rest of the league.

A six foot three goaltender with Spiderman like reflexes - How is this guy not in the NHL? I know a certain Vancouver Canuck team that could use him.

The Falcons went further than they should have. The Unofficial takes its hat off to them. But how can you expect the Falcons to win four games against some guy whom should be blocking shots by Shaq instead of shots by Luke Curtin.

Congratulations to the Fresno Falcons on a great season. And to American Conference champ Gwinnett: Have fun getting one past Beckford "Spidergiant" Tseu.

Only In The ECHL

2006-05-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

NEWS FLASH: DREW, the Falcons Zamboni driver, is suspended for game five.

I'm not making that up. Apparently, after game two, Drew got into an altercation with Alaska Ace player, Kimbi Daniels (number ten). As a result, Drew won't be drivin' the Zamboni for game five.

So, it will be up to Falcons fans to booo Daniels every time he touches the puck.

And it will be up to Falcons fans to buy Drew a drink at Shooters, after the game.

Time For Stepping Up

2006-05-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

The Falcons must win game five. They do that by having a solid power play; something they've been lacking this series.

The Falcons must win the series. They must just so I can see if Fresno will give a damn that they're playing for the Kelly Cup.

JUST Two Bones More Eh?

2006-05-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

I love going to Falcons games. I would go to all of them, if I could. And I love playoff hockey, which is something the Falcons are in the middle of right now.

But, why do I have to pay two dollars more to see them in the playoffs?

Isn't this [playing in the playoffs] considered "bonus time" in the overall yearly budget? The owners are getting EXTRA games to sell tickets, why can't they just charge everybody the same price as the regular season? I'm sorry but the tickets are already a little pricey for a minor league hockey game.

Yes, this is high-end minor league hockey in a new arena, but it still isn't Vancouver vs. the New York Rangers in GM Place.

It's Fresno guys. We love the Falcons, but there isn't too many ponds freezing over around here, know what I'm sayin'?

Moving On Here Boss

2006-05-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

After that tremendous series between the Falcons and the Condors, the Unofficial would like to say: Thank You.

Thank you to the Falcons team for not panicking after the game five and six loses and stepping up to win game seven.

Thank you to the Bakersfield Condors for giving us a true Highway 99 rivalry. The Condor's, in The Unofficial's opinion, is now the Falcons #1 rival, replacing San Diego.

Thank you to Bakersfield writer Matilda Kay for being a cool person to hang with during game two (even if she ripped the Save Mart Center). And to Nick Belardes for being a worthy smack talk adversary throughout the series. In fact, his writing frequency and style kicked the crap out of The Unofficial. But we're still waiting for that Podcast from game two...

Start The Chant Fresno

2006-05-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

Alright, enough goofing around with the Consucks. It's time to....BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O! BEAT-BAKE-O!

Hang In There, Bako?

2006-05-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

At this moment, the Falcons are up 3 games to 1 to the Bakersfield Condors (I really need to come up with a clever put-down-name for the Condors), and part of me wants Bakersfield to win Wednesday night.

That's because, Fresno needs a weekend playoff game. These Monday + Tuesday games just ain't fair. Fresno should be getting the weekend sales, not the lesser opponents.

Speaking of lesser opponents, I think I nailed Condor blogger and podcasterNL Belardes into the boards, so to speak, when we had a nice smack-off during game two of the Condor series. Though I was helped by a strong Falcons performance. The podcasting proof will be up soon.

In the meantime, check out the great rundown of game two, that N.L. gives on his Condors Blog.

Condors Call Up Belardes To Help Tuesday

2006-04-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

"We've been to Bakersfield, Bakersfield has NOTHING on us!" that's how John Tull started the evening, pumping up the crowd. One thing is for sure, the Condors have nothing on Fraser Clair. Fraser had a playoff "career night" by beating Bako' almost single handed.

Even though it wasn't a big crowd Monday night, the Save Mart (or "The Cooler", as I call it) had a real playoff edginess - It felt good.

Tuesday night's game will have a sharper "edge" in the stands, as Bakersfield blogger and man about town N.L. Belardes will be in the Save Mart Center - and I will be sitting next to him.

I may need some back-up; somebody to pull his sweater over his head at-the-drop-of-a-puck.

**FYI: New pics from FalconsvsCondors game one can be found on the Flickr badge, down on the right.

Ninety Nine Rivals

2006-04-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

It's is on Fresno. What Falcons fans, players and management have been waiting for: A playoff battle between Fresno and Bakersfield.

I'd be willing to bet that Condor's Blogger NL Belardes will take a break from his hiatus to chime in on this one.

Series prediction from The Unofficial: Falcons in six.

Falcons Hope To Check Parker or Nomar

2006-04-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

As you read the Falcons media release below, you'll find out some Falcons will be at the Grizzlies game Thursday. Let's just hope one of the Falcons lay a MASSIVE check on new Grizzlies mascot Parker

FRESNO, Calif. – Join the Fresno Falcons for a Pacific Division Finals Playoff Rally at Grizzlies Stadium tomorrow when the Grizzlies host the Las Vegas 51s at 7:05 p.m.

The Falcons will be introduced down on the field before the game with one player throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The players will then adjourn to the stadium concourse where they will sign autographs through the first couple of innings.

Slated to play against the Grizzlies tomorrow night is All-Star Nomar Garciaparra, who is now a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The former American League batting champion is currently rehabbing an injury with the 51s. For more information on Grizzlies ticket prices, please visit www.fresnogrizzlies.com.

The Falcons continue their post-season run in the Pacific Division Finals after sweeping the San Diego Gulls in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. They open their next best-of-seven series against either the Bakersfield Condors or Long Beach Ice Dogs in Games One and Two of the Division Finals at Save Mart Center on Monday and Tuesday, Apr. 24 and 25, at 7:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are on sale for both games at all Ticketmaster outlets and Save Mart Center’s box office beginning as low as $14 for Silver Section seats and just $10 for Student Section seats.

Lace 'em Up

2006-04-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

Go Falcons, beat the mildly annoying San Diego Gulls!

San Jose Watching Fresno

2006-04-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought nobody was paying attention to this blog; Just when I thought the Sharks weren't paying attention to the Falcons, I got sent this: Falcons on Sharkspage.com.

A very nice full report on the past Falcons vs Stockton Thunder game. Unfortunately, it's a game the Falcons lost but it's still a fine report. It even has a picture gallery from the game and a pre-season interview with Jamie Holden.

After perusing through Sharkspage.com I realized that it's is a kick-ass hockey blog. Better than this one and certainly better than some lamewad Bakersfield Condors Blog.

Ten Thousand Puck Chuckers

2006-03-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

"A thrilling game in front of a season-high crowd of 10,814" is what Falcon media relations wizard Brian Clark said after the Falcons latest win over Long Beach. 10,814 is a lot of Fresnans watching hockey.

It's great to see Fresno is finally starting to wake up to the fact that its got a great hockey team here and we need to keep supporting it.

I do have a warning for all of you new to Falcon games and specifically to the folks that play “Chuck-a-Puck”: If you decide you’d rather chuck your puck at team mascot Freddie instead of the target on the ice, you may be bounced out of Save Mart.

At several games this year, I have seen a guy asked to leave or heard security pinpointing a person who was chucking improperly. When I say improperly I mean, throwing-at-the-back-of-some-guy’s-head-whom-has-seats-on-the-ice.

So think twice the next time you “chuck”, Freddie may be watching

Fighting Falcons

2006-03-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

This was only the third time Phoenix and Fresno played each other this season? It felt like they were old rivals playing at the end of a home-and-home series.

There were several fights in Saturday night’s game and it reminded me, a little bit, of old time hockey. Since the fighting, this season, in the NHL and ECHL is sparse, compared to the past, it was kind of refreshing – in a twisted way – to see all the fights.

I’m not saying there needs to be more or less fighting; I’m perfectly entertained by pure hockey. But, it is fun to watch some “old time” hockey – twisted as that may be.

More Falcons - Less Editing

2006-03-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

Finally a couple nice ARTICLE'S in the Fresno Bee on the Falcons by Bee reporter extraordinaire, Ken Robison - I like to call him K-Rob.

They weren't on the front page but they were a nice length, which is rare. Much better than the usual blurb of "The Falcons won with two goal's by Luke Curtain, beating the Condors 4-2."

I'm sure the sparse Falcon coverage by The Bee isn't due to Ken's lack of reporting but speaks more to the importance the Bee's sports editor places on the Falcons. The Falcons are given front page space, it seems, only when Save Mart's ice is bad or...well...umm...only then.

I say more Falcons coverage Bee! Let K-Rob write freeeee!

Get Better Murphy - With Updates Below!

2006-02-27T23:13:00.000-08:00

A lot of drama going on with the Falcons over the past week: They made the playoffs without playing (I still haven’t figured that one out), Save Mart’s bad ice finally got a game suspended and – biggest of all – Falcon defenseman Cory Murphy had a season ending injury; an injury that may have been due to the “bad ice”.

Falcon coaches went on the message board after Cory’s incident to give the fans an update:

Matt Thomas and I, Ryan Mougenel wanted to take this opportunity to
thank all of you who have offered Cory Murphy and his family thoughts
and prayers. I write this as Matt and I are still very numb from the injury
that Cory suffered last night, but we wanted to relay the message that
Cory is going to get through this and will be fine.
Cory is undergoing surgery as we speak to repair a piece of bone that
fragmented from his fibula breaking. He also suffered a dislocated ankle
which will also be set. Although losing Cory is a huge blow to our hockey
team, we wanted to let all of you know what a resilient and amazing
group of guys we have in this room and Matt and I know the response
that the guys will have for Cory will be well documented as we continue
our journey and bring the most dedicated fans in the ECHL a Kelly Cup.

We met with Cory and his wife Mellisa last night, and they wanted to
thank the amazing support and love you have all shown to Cory and his
family.
Thanks again and we thank you for your thoughts and prayers!!!!!!

Heres to bringing a Championship Home to Fresno!!!!!!!!

All the best Ryan Mougenel and Matt Thomas

The Unofficial wishes the speediest of recovery’s for Cory and hope to see him back on the extra frosty ice of the Save Mart, next season.

** Other local bloggers have posted on Murphy. Check out The Zera's eyewitness account on the Murphy injury: http://www.bryanandsarah.net/2006/02/hockey-jones.html

**Here's the latest on Murph: UPDATE

Korn and Kondors

2006-02-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

On Friday, while the country’s biggest metal rock band KORN opens its world tour in the Condors home Arena, the Condors will be in Fresno to play our Fresno Falcons. So while Bakersfieldians (Or is it Bakos? Fielders? Lords? Fresno Smog Suckers?), mosh with themselves and listen to their hometown band, the Falcons will hopefully be making their own mosh-pit with nothing but Condors in the middle.

RIVAL TIME
The Falcons are 2-0-2 against Bakersfield. On the surface, this is a pretty good record. But dig deeper and you find something very disturbing. Of Pacific Division teams, the Condors have the best record vs. the Falcons. This can not stand. The Condors are the Falcons biggest valley rivals and arguably their biggest rival in the ECHL – The Gulls are in a down year and Stockton actually has to beat us to become a rival.

NEXT BEST THING
While Korn may not be coming to Save Mart, the Zooperstars are. So, maybe I can convince the Mart’s audio/video folks to play some Korn and let me form a Mosh pit with the Zooperstars in the middle.

ECHL IS OLYMPIC

2006-02-16T16:45:00.000-08:00

Right now, New Jersey Devil Scotty Gomez, is trying to help the U.S. Olympic team win the gold medal in Torino. Last year, at this time, he was trying to help the ECHL's Alaska Aces win a Kelly Cup.

During Gomez stay on the Aces' roster, I made sure to catch the Aces when they came to play the Falcons at Save Mart (Why is there no cool grocery nick name for Save Mart Center yet?). Gomez had nothing else going on because of the NHL lockout so he decided to play for his home states team.

After watching Gomez for a couple games, I was surprised to find there wasn't much of a visible difference between him and the ECHL players. He did seem to have crisper passes, but that was about it. That says something about the ECHL's players.

Gomez isn't the only former ECHL player in this years Olympics. As ECHL.com reports, there are many current and former ECHL players in the 2006 games. Even Fresno Falcon division rivals Stockton Thunder have a player on the Latvian team.

The Thunder Has Passed

2006-02-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

This was getting old. Stockton Thunder vs. The Fresno Falcons. Startin' to feel like they're the only teams in the ECHL. I'll bet the Falcons are getting sick of seeing the Thunder's ugly black and yellow sweaters. Four games in five days is enough to make anybody sick of seeing the same uniforms, arenas, boards...mascots.

I don't think the Falcons minded too much since they acquired eight points from the Thunder. This four game stretch might be looked upon as where the Falcons won the Pacific Division. I wonder how Long Beach feels about the division leading Falcons getting to play the expansion Thunder four games straight?

Up next for Falcons is a tough Idaho Steelhead team. It really doesn't matter. Just as long as Idaho's sweaters aren't black and yellow.

I've Spent Six Dollars On Less

2006-02-08T22:50:00.000-08:00

B2 Networks enables you to watch select ECHL games live, over the internet. Tonight, I decided to watch the Falcons take on the Thunder, live from Stockton.

During my decision to order the game, I briefly forgot that the game overlaps some other big broadcasts Wednesday night: The Grammys, "Lost", "American Idol" and the Canucks vs. Blues game - Vancouver's my favorite team. That's a lot of damn good TV for one night.

What the hell, that's what Tivo is for; on with the Falcons via the internet.

BROADCAST NOTES:

Real easy to order the game, I just clicked the B2 Network button a couple minutes before the game and I was taken to a page where I filled in some billing info' and, within a minute, I was watching the Stockton feed.

As expected, you only have a small screen to watch on. You can expand it to fill the screen but you lose a lot of resolution. It’s hard to see the puck but an educated hockey fan doesn't need to see the puck to follow the action.

The feed is mostly smooth, with only an occasional jump or freeze. Brian Clark's 1550 radio broadcast is played over it. Clark's play-calling is pretty much in time with the video feed.

For this broadcast, there is only one camera to view the game with. This creates a bland, no score overlay, view. But the camera man does get some occasional tight shots when play is mucking it up around the goal.

There are no commercials so you get to watch the raw "in house" feed. Brian Clark's mic is on the whole time but he rarely says something during the breaks. Although a funny moment (funny in an eight year old boy humor way) happened during the second intermission when Clarky announced to his director he was making a restroom run.

In the end, I was glad to have spent the six bucks for the game. It was a nice edition to Brian Clark's radio call. I wouldn't recommend doing it for home games, just go watch them. But, if I only have to spend six bucks to not go to Stockton, that’s money well spent. Plus the Falcons won in overtime, I picked a good game to watch.

Now where’s my Tivo remote?

Chippy Games Ahead

2006-02-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

Am I seeing this correctly? If you take a look at the Falcons schedule this week, you’ll see the Stockton Thunder on it four times. First this Wednesday in Stockton, Friday in Fresno and Saturday and Sunday back in Stockton.

With all of that traveling up and down Highway 99, the Mammoth Orange Stand better have enough burgers to fry.

The nice thing for the Falcons is that Stockton - in the first year of the franchises existence - has the worst record in the ECHL. By the end of this quirky series, the Falcons should have an even firmer grip on first place; depending on what the second place Ice Dogs do this week. Long Beach is currently seven points back and the Falcons have two games in hand.

The down side of this series – for the Falcons – is it’s even tough to beat a bad roller hockey team, four games straight. And, by the end of the second or third game, chances are, things are going to start getting chippy – Is chippy like the BEST hockey term ever?

Also watch for some of that chippy stuff if the team busses coincidently meet at the Orange Stand.

THE UNOFFICIAL - THE TRASH TALK BEGINS

2006-02-05T14:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world of ECHL blogging and the first Fresno Falcons blog.

What's the point of all this? It's to give some different angles on what's goin' on with the Falcons (with respect to everyone on the Falcons Forum and Bee writer Ken Robison). It's also to trade smack-talk between other ECHL bloggers.

Bloggers like Condor's lead smacker N.L. Belardes. Feel free to visit his blog and tell him how much Bako sucks.

Mr. Dorktown, Meet Stanley

2006-02-04T23:13:00.000-08:00

The ECHL All-Star game was great. Couldn't have asked for a better game with the Nationals winning a goal-fest and Fresno Falcon Luke Curtin wining the game MVP. And I saw THE sports tropy: the Stanley Cup.

I would like to say "nice job" to Fresno and ECHL fans for showing up (on a Wednesday night) and providing the best attended ECHL All-Star game in five years.

Fresno Seeing ALL Stars

2006-02-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

Fresno's recent history of supporting major sports events has been weak.

A couple seasons ago, Fresno hosted the WAC Basketball Tourney - Fresnans didn't turn out. Last year, Fresno hosted the women's NCAA Basketball Regionals - You could hear the players sweat dripping.

Now Fresnans have another chance to show they can host an event. The Fresno Falcons and the Save Mart Center are hosting the ECHL All-Star Game Janurary 24-25th.

This is our chance Fresno. Our chance to show the sports world we can support a major event that doesn't exclusively involve a Fresno team.

The "Stars" of Dorktown will be there - How about you?

LIVE FALCONS HEEEERRAA

2006-02-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hockey is the best sport to watch live. If you're a Fresno Falcon fan, the only way to watch a game live is to, well, be there (no LIVE television version of the game).

There is a televised version of the game but it is taped and played the next day. The idea being you might not go Save Mart and see the game if you can watch it live on television.

I've always thought it would be nice to have a live "boob tube" broadcast, just to get ya thinking about the Falcons. Then you might go out and pay to see them the next time.

Well, now you can see a live broadcast and pay.

If you go to the Fresno Falcons website ten minutes before the start of the game, you can click on a B2Live button and be taken to a website where you can pay six bucks to watch the game live, over the internet. I haven't tried it yet but I plan to; just to get me thinking about the Falcons.

Fresno Feeding The NHL

2006-02-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

For only the second time in History, a Fresno Falcon has made it to the NHL - thanks to an injured Russian. Here's the story:

FRESNO, Calif. – Former Fresno Falcons goaltender Nolan Schaefer appeared in his first National Hockey League game this evening and helped lead the San Jose Sharks to a 5-4 overtime victory against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Schaefer replaced Sharks starting goaltender Vesa Toskala at 7:12 of the second period and recorded 12 saves on 13 shots against through the remainder of regulation and into overtime to earn credit for the victory. He was called-up to Fresno’s NHL affiliate from the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Barons last weekend when Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov suffered an injury in a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets last Friday.

Schaefer, selected in the fifth round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Sharks, was assigned to the Falcons at the outset of the 2003-04 season following a four-year collegiate career at Providence College. He appeared in 12 games for Fresno that season, posting a 5-5-0 record with a 3.12 goals against average, .910 save percentage, and one shutout before receiving what turned out to be a permanent promotion to the Barons and the AHL.

Schaefer becomes just the second Fresno player to appear in an NHL game after wearing a Falcons uniform. Defenseman Garret Stroshein, who played 20 games for the Falcons during the 2001-02 season, played three games for the Washington Capitals in 2003-04.

As a result of Schaefer’s call-up to San Jose, Falcons rookie goaltender Jamie Holden was re-called earlier this week to Cleveland, which has yet to play a game since Holden’s arrival.

There was no thanking of Fresno by Nolan...whateverrrrrr. It's to be expected. People who get their starts in Fresno tend to forget all about their Fresno days.

You know, people like Kevin Federline Spears.