The Fresno Bee tells a very sad account of the Fresno Falcons’ decision Monday to cease operations.

Among the key points:

– It’s possible the Falcons could return for a 42nd season in 2009-10, but ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna told the newspaper “a great deal of damage has been done.”
– 27 players, three coaches and “up to seven” staff members will lose their jobs.
– Because many of the players and coaches are Canadians and here on work visas, they cannot get unemployment benefits and may face deportation.