September 9, 2008

Eizenman Re-Joins Fresno

FRESNO, CALIF. -- The Fresno Falcons announced today that former Rensselaer forward Oren Eizenman has agreed to terms for the 2008-09 season. With Eizenman agreeing to terms, all three Falcons who participated in the ECHL All-Star Game last year have agreed to terms, as he joins Igor Gongalsky and Kenny MacAulay.

Eizenman led the Falcons last season in goals (27) and points (66), while finishing second on the squad in assists (39). His 66 points last season were eighth among ECHL rookies, and tied for 18th overall in the league. The 23-year-old also spent time in the American Hockey League last season with the Milwaukee Admirals and Worcester Sharks, tallying one assist in eight combined games.

In addition to being named to the National Conference All-Star squad last season, Eizenman also earned the ECHL Rookie of the Month Award in December, and the ECHL Player of the Month for January. He finished tied for third in the voting for the league's Sportsmanship Award, and third in voting for the league's Rookie of the Year.

Earlier this summer, Eizenman participated in the New York Rangers' Conditioning Camp, and prior to coming to Fresno, he will take part in the Vancouver Canucks' Rookie Camp, which opens this weekend.

"It was a top priority of ours to get Oren re-signed if he didn't get an AHL or NHL deal," Falcons head coach and general manager Matt Thomas said. "He's given himself a great opportunity to impress the Vancouver Canucks at their rookie camp. We look for Oren to be a go-to guy with us this season and prove that he belongs in the AHL full-time. His work ethic
and determination are a daily reminder of what it takes to succeed in the pro game."

Prior to turning pro, Eizenman played four years of college hockey at R.P.I., where he scored 99 points in 129 games. He was an ECACHL All-Academic Team member in both his junior and senior seasons, and as a senior earned R.P.I.'s Community Service Award.