For Immediate Release (Fresno, California) - Your Fresno Monsters are proud to announce the signing of top veteran forwards Mike Nolan and Brantt Heble for the 2015-2016 season.  Nolan and Heble will play their final seasons of junior hockey for the Monsters this year as they will be working to earn an opportunity to play in the NCAA.  Both forwards are dynamic, exciting players that played a large role in the Monsters potent offense that scored 301 total goals last season, good for first in the Western States Hockey League.

Nolan, from Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada will enter his final season with the Monsters after a fantastic sophomore season with the Green & Black last year. In 2014-2015, Nolan tallied with 35 goals and 58 assists for 93 points in 42 games played for the Monsters and finished 3rd in WSHL scoring, respectively. In 81 regular season games with the Monsters, Nolan has scored 67 times while assisting on 90 others for a total of 157 points, which puts him in the race to finish first in all time scoring in Monsters history. A fan favorite, Nolan will look to continue his offensive ways for the 2015-2016 season.

“Mike is a special player and I am thrilled to have him back for his final year of junior hockey.  His ability to play the game at a high level and contribute each night is something that not many players his age can achieve” said Head Coach/General Manager Bryce Dale. “Most importantly, Mike is a fantastic kid that has a ton character and the guys love him.  He brings enthusiasm, hard work, and character to our locker room and I am thrilled to have the privilege to coach him in his final season.”

Heble, from Parker, Colorado looks to have another solid season for the Monsters in 2015-2016.  In 39 games last season, Heble tallied 15 goals and 27 assists for 42 points, with 2 game winning goals and 2 power play goals.  Monster fans know Heble as a hard nosed player as he finished with 114 penalty minutes last season, just behind teammates Evan Ingram and Mark Shroyer. Heble's leadership and journeyman approach to the game became infectious in the Monsters locker room last year and was a key component to their success during their playoff run.

“Brantt came to us last year and made a tremendous impact on our team being the ultimate teammate while playing a hard nosed game that everyone appreciated” said Head Coach Bryce Dale. “As a coach, you admire those players that leave it out on the ice every game no matter what, and that is exactly what Brantt did for us last year.  Guys in the room would watch him gut it out and play hurt down the stretch and it made everyone think ‘If he is playing on one leg and giving it everything he has, what excuse do I have?’  He is a true locker room guy that plays the game the right way with a ton of ability and we are nothing but thrilled to have him back this year.”

Heble and Nolan come back to home ice on Thursday, October 22nd at 7:45 P.M. at Gateway Ice Center as the Monsters start the defense of their Western Division Championship against the San Diego Sabers. For more information about Single Game & Season Tickets, you can reach the Monsters Office at 549-4TIX or by visiting www.fresnomonsters.com and clicking the ‘Tickets’ tab.