Fresno Falcons Cease Operations

[caps05]

PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL announced Monday that the Board of Governors had voted unanimously to terminate the Membership of the Fresno Falcons, effective immediately.

The termination of the Membership comes as a result of the Fresno ownership group notifying the ECHL that they are unable to continue to operate the Membership for financial reasons.

Failure to ice a team for play is grounds for automatic termination under the ECHL Bylaws.

“We are very disappointed for our fans, league partners and the other member teams,” said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. “The ECHL would like to thank the Fresno fans for their support of the Falcons.”

Fresno players will immediately become unrestricted free agents.

Bakersfield is working on an exhibition game for Saturday to replace the game scheduled against Fresno and will announce details as soon as they become available.

Fresno’s games against Ontario on Sunday and Victoria on Monday have been cancelled.

The league said that work has begun on a revised version of the playing schedule which will be released as soon as possible.

[caps05]

And for those wondering why this wasn't posted in the "Fresno is done" thread, I thought it'd be better to start a fresh thread.

[dg33garcia]

how's my credibility, seems i hit this right on the head!

[hockeyfighter20]

i never thought this would happen

[dg33garcia]

I must say it's a shocker to me to. I always going to fresno for the road trip. It was a good thing between the THUNDER and FALCONS. both crowds knew what was on the line, braging rights. If only for the night. It was not the giants vs dodgers games I dont miss, but it was getting there. Hopfully you guys will be back next season, I'll keep a eye out for ya. BY the way we will take KONKLE,O'Dette,HAGEL,GONGALSKY and EIZENMAN off your hands. We'll keep them in california where it's still warm.

[everblades2]

This sucks

R.I.P Falcons

[pigfarmer]

Originally Posted by dg33garcia

how's my credibility, seems i hit this right on the head!

You got it. I just want to let you know from the earlier thread that I am not neccesarily a fan...I went to college in San Luis Obispo and hit a few games, but that was 3-4 years ago! So thats why I didn't know they had moved to a new rink, I am not a good example, basically is what I am trying to say.

[PilotsFan]

This sucks, another "E" team gone. Thats three this season now. SO FAR.

I've seen it said here that Johnstown's not doing well. A few other teams are in financial distress as well. Wouldnt surprise me with the economy the way it is we see a few more teams fold up during or after this season.

[hockeyfighter20]

Originally Posted by dg33garcia

I must say it's a shocker to me to. I always going to fresno for the road trip. It was a good thing between the THUNDER and FALCONS. both crowds knew what was on the line, braging rights. If only for the night. It was not the giants vs dodgers games I dont miss, but it was getting there. Hopfully you guys will be back next season, I'll keep a eye out for ya. BY the way we will take KONKLE,O'Dette,HAGEL,GONGALSKY and EIZENMAN off your hands. We'll keep them in california where it's still warm.

i think alot of falcon players will end up in stockton or bakersfield cuz most of them sayd they bought homes in the valley and they really like it in california

[caps05]

Originally Posted by PilotsFan

This sucks, another "E" team gone. Thats three this season now. SO FAR.

I've seen it said here that Johnstown's not doing well. A few other teams are in financial distress as well. Wouldnt surprise me with the economy the way it is we see a few more teams fold up during or after this season.

Actually, it's only two since the beginning of the season, only Augusta and Fresno.

Were you referring to Pensacola as well?

[PilotsFan]

Originally Posted by caps05

Actually, it's only two since the beginning of the season, only Augusta and Fresno.

Were you referring to Pensacola as well?

Yessir mr caps, three teams this season have folded. I figured since the Ice Pilots were around for the initial round of game scheduling I'd just say "three this season". Symantics (sp) I guess. Doesnt really matter though. The ECHL has lost three teams that were on the ice last season.

And next season I'd expect to see two maybe three less teams by seasons end. I'd say one during the offseason and maybe one or two during the season.

[ChiefCougar]

Originally Posted by PilotsFan

Yessir mr caps, three teams this season have folded. I figured since the Ice Pilots were around for the initial round of game scheduling I'd just say "three this season". Symantics (sp) I guess. Doesnt really matter though. The ECHL has lost three teams that were on the ice last season.

And next season I'd expect to see two maybe three less teams by seasons end. I'd say one during the offseason and maybe one or two during the season.

Pilo's, thats where I had thought the 'blades may tank this yr too. I'd guess a few teams may go, agreed. let's guess 'em. lol

Maybe Cincy (it's got AHL) or Dayton? Or Miss. for sure? How can they keep a club if Augusta can't? Or for sure another Cali team w/ travel hassles, etc. Stockton or Baker's are tough sells for games, I'd imagine. Any guess, guys?

[ChiefCougar]

Originally Posted by PilotsFan

This sucks, another "E" team gone. Thats three this season now. SO FAR.

I've seen it said here that Johnstown's not doing well. A few other teams are in financial distress as well. Wouldnt surprise me with the economy the way it is we see a few more teams fold up during or after this season.

Oops missed this. J-town is in as bad, a lack of money-making, town as can be. It was bad when Slapshot was filmed in '75. How they've been around may be the biggest mystery. Then again, what else does a rusted-up beer sluggin' town have to do but get drunk & watch hockey -- all w/ no income.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by ChiefCougar

Pilo's, thats where I had thought the 'blades may tank this yr too. I'd guess a few teams may go, agreed. let's guess 'em. lol

Maybe Cincy (it's got AHL) or Dayton? Or Miss. for sure? How can they keep a club if Augusta can't? Or for sure another Cali team w/ travel hassles, etc. Stockton or Baker's are tough sells for games, I'd imagine. Any guess, guys?

Cincinnati doesn't have an AHL team. They left town a few years ago.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by PilotsFan

Yessir mr caps, three teams this season have folded. I figured since the Ice Pilots were around for the initial round of game scheduling I'd just say "three this season". Symantics (sp) I guess. Doesnt really matter though. The ECHL has lost three teams that were on the ice last season.

And next season I'd expect to see two maybe three less teams by seasons end. I'd say one during the offseason and maybe one or two during the season.

I didn't know you included Pensacola as well. My bad.