The Fresno Falcons announced today that Defenseman Matt O'Dette and Centerman John Morlang will return to the Falcons lineup this fall to begin the Falcons Quest for the 2008 Kelly Cup. Falcons' Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Matt Thomas announced on Tuesday that the Falcons had agreed to terms with O'Dette and Morlang and that he was extremely pleased to have them both back. "It's important for us to get a player of Matt's experience back on our blue line. His experience in pro hockey will be vital to our team and his contributions on the penalty kill and competing against opponents top players will be invaluable."
Coach Thomas had equal praise for Morlang. "I think John only touched the surface of his capabilities last year. He is one of the premier forwards in our league and will be a huge catalyst in our quest for the Kelly Cup this season." John Morlang was 2nd on the team in points with 72, while Falcons' two time Captain Matt O’Dette led the team in penalty minutes with 178 and had 16 points during the course of the season.
The Falcons 2007 season ended with a first round playoff loss to the Bakersfield Condors. Coach Matt Thomas is poised to put a Falcons team on the ice that will compete for the 2008 Kelly Cup. "In 2006 we were one goal shy against Alaska from advancing to the Kelly Cup Finals, this past season we get knocked out early by Bakersfield. There will be several familiar faces in the lineup this year like O'Dette and Morlang who remember what it takes to get there. But I am also searching for new blood, hungry players that want to win, players that want to win in Fresno."