THE UNOFFICIAL

Making Sure You Knew There Is A Fresno Falcons Community Still

2024-12-08T22:47:00.005-08:00

If you have found this blog, it means you are searching around for old Fresno Falcons hockey team stuff. I love it.

On this blog you will find old stuff for sure, but if you want current discussions...

Please join the Remember The Fresno Falcons Facebook Group (if you haven't already) so you can reminisce about the good old days of hockey in Fresno.

With respect to the current Fresno Monsters though.

Thank you!

-Mike

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.