FRESNO, Ca – Just a few days shy of three weeks after the Augusta Lynx became the first ECHL team to fold during the season and the Fresno Falcons could possibly become the second to do so.
The team’s plight was highlighted in a televised report from KSEE TV-24 in Fresno. http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/36484809.html
The report states the club has been given an extension by the league until Monday, December 22 to determine how the club will move forward.
The Falcons moved back to Selland Arena after five years at the Save Mart Center hoping the smaller arena would be more suitable to the club. However attendance dipped after the move which led to the club’s current problems.
Included in the new lease agreement was a clause that the ownership of the club would be transferred to the City of Fresno should certain events take place. At this time it is unclear to outsiders if those events have already taken place.
In a statement to Pro Hockey News, Falcons CEO John Tull said, “the ECHL is working with the City of Fresno to explore all viable options to keep the Falcons playing hockey.”
The ECHL had no comment at this time.
Sources have told Pro Hockey News the franchise could go dark as soon as Monday. The league, which has meetings scheduled for late January, would need to know if the franchise’s problems would need to be discussed within the next few days.
The team currently sits in first place in the league’s Pacific Division with 36 points and holds a four point lead over the second place Ontario Reign. The team is at home tonight and is playing host to the Stockton Thunder.
Please check back with Pro Hockey News for updated articles on the situation.
Contact the author at mike.canady@prohockeynews.com.
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