For the first time in 17 years, the puck drops for the Fresno Falcons.
“It’s a privilege to be in this market,” says Fresno Falcons Coach Iain Duncan. “We feel that, the players feel that. I feel that and the Valley, they need this and they want this, and we want this for them.”
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Eighty years of history for the Falcons is adding a new chapter this week, with a brand new scoreboard and playing in front of a sold out crowd at Selland Arena.
“It’s been a long time since hockey has been here and now seeing all the young players, I get the excitement,” says Assistant Coach Luke Curtin.
Curtin played for the Falcons from 2005-2008.
“It’ll bring back memories,” he said. “I think anytime you’re at a sold out arena, it’s exciting.”
In order to be prepared for the season opener, reinforcements flew into Fresno.
Seattle Torrent forward Marah Wagner worked out all week with the Falcons, retracing her Fresno roots to the place where her parents met.
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“Just having a hockey team, the energy is going to be insane,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a big thing for us to have.”
The Falcons anxiously await the debut of this storied franchise in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
“When you’re a little nervous for a game or a situation, that means you care a little bit,” Duncan said. “We care about the game of hockey. We care about the Fresno fans.”
“I think for this organization, this team, we want to win a championship, bring it back to Fresno,” says player Khristian Acosta. “We’re really excited for the buzz in the city.”
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