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Real Name: Mike Griffith Member Since: October 19, 2006 Last Signed In: November 18, 2009 Profile Views: 1765 Blog Views: 16448 Sharp headed to NHL, Donally headed to Bako Calder makes Ducks debut Fisher released, Guyer signed Condors get in extra workout Ducks assign another first-round draft choice to Condors Long day begins for Condors Calder to mentor young players Condors get in a little golf Loss stung, injuries might hurt more Calder OK'ed to play, but fatherhood calls October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 
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Fresno Falcons cease operations
The Fresno Falcons hockey team has shut down operations, the club announced on Monday.The Falcons, who were scheduled to play in Bakersfield on Saturday night, become the second ECHL team to fold this season. Augusta, Ga., ceased operations a few weeks ago. The Condors were informed of Fresno’s situation late Monday morning. Here is the text of a statement by Managing General Partner Chris Cummings: “It is with sadness and regret that we announce the shutdown of the Fresno Falcons. We have operated the Falcons since February of 2006, accumulating significant losses. These losses have been beyond our expectations. The horrific economy and the resulting decrease in revenue from season tickets, corporate sponsorships and overall attendance has created a situation this year which is not sustainable and we simply can not continue to operate.” All of the Fresno players, other than the ones on two-way contracts with American Hockey League teams, are now unrerstricted free agents, meaning they can sign with any team in any league. The Falcons were charter members of the old West Coast Hockey League which started play in 1995. The ECHL merged into the ECHL in 2003. Prior to that the Falcons operated as semi-pro team for many years. The league said that work has begun on a revised version of the playing schedule which will be released as soon as possible.
5 comments from 5 users
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posted by
mrsearnhardt88
on Dec 22, 2008 at 02:19 PM
WHAT??? No more heated rivalry with the bird brains up north? So, what happens Saturday night when they were scheduled to play here? posted by
jfrancais
on Dec 22, 2008 at 04:31 PM
I bet playing games out at SaveMart Center didn't help either. They should have just saved money and continued to play downtown. They could barely fill up the convention center. posted by
woodbutcher
on Dec 22, 2008 at 07:40 PM
An unfortunate ending to a storied franchise. posted by
lmolen
on Dec 23, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Sad day indeed. I grew up in Fresno and went to many a Falcons game in the 1970s when they were part of the four-team Pacific Coast Hockey League. Back in those days, Selland Arena was kinda new and the Falcons packed them in, even though they were just semi-pro. They played only on Fridays and Saturdays, which ensured big crowds, a loud house and a real sense of excitement. The Falcons were THE game in town, and players like Reino and Esko Siipola, and Joe Frank were stars around town. Heading into the 1980s, though, Fresno State football rose to prominence and is now the hot ticket, with nearly every game drawing 40,000-plus. Even though the Bulldogs just finished a mediocre season in a tough economy, the seats were still filled. Fans hit hard by the economy will likely buy a Bulldogs ticket over a Falcons ticket. In previous seasons, they could buy both. And in recent years, seeing the Falcons play in the much larger SaveMart Center was like sitting in a tomb. It was just too large for crowd noise to be an advantage. That lack of buzz at SaveMart didn't do anything to win any new fans. The Condors management understands that the actual game is just part of the experience and that fans come to games for many reasons. Fresno never made that jump beyond putting good players on the ice. Mike Griffith's article today notes that Bakersfield and Stockton continue to draw well. I think part of that is due to very creative and effective marketing and outreach (the Condors are experts at that), but I also think a contributing factor is the absence of a big-time D-1 college football team in either Bakersfield or Stockton. posted by
H8cloz
on Dec 23, 2008 at 08:16 PM
imolen - dead on with your observation about the lack of "buzz" at the SaveMart Center. Same was true for the old Long Beach Ice Dogs...what a horrible venue they had. It was so dead and dull compared to the ultra-high energy at the nest. Condors management does a great job, and we have a fantastic arena. Many former Falcon/Ice Dog fans I spoke with were very impressed with our set-up. I hope Bakersfield will keep supporting the Condors! So... are there any former Falcons headed to Bakersfield?
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