For Immediate Release (Fresno, California) - Your Fresno Monsters are proud to announce the signing of defensemen Josh Rieberger (Crossfield, Alberta, Canada) and Patrick Trinker (Villach, Austria) for the 2015-2016 season. Rieberger and Trinker will patrol the blue line for the Monsters this year and look to build on a stingy Monsters defense that is returning a solid corps from 2015-2016.

Rieberger, from Crossfield, Alberta, Canada will enter his final season with the Monsters after spending last year with Nassjo HC in the J20Elit Swedish hockey league. In 2014-2015, Rieberger played 7 games for Nassjo and registered 2 penalty minutes.  Prior to playing for Nassjo, Rieberger played for the Sisec Selects Midget AA team and SISEC Prep Team in Alberta. In 81 games between the SISEC teams, Rieberger notched 3 goals and 15 assists for 18 points while registering 18 penalty minutes.

“Josh is going add grit and size to our blue line this year, which I am really excited about. His 6’1” 225 pound frame compliments the way he plays the game because of how competitive he is on the ice ” said Head Coach/General Manager Bryce Dale. “Between Josh and Mark (Shroyer), we will have the ability to put size on the ice that can move, which will be a fantastic asset to our defensive play.”

Trinker, from Villach, Austria comes to the Monsters from the Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks in the Toronto, Canada based GMHL.  In 24 games last season, Trinker tallied 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points, while tallying 39 penalty minutes.  Trinker is known for his defensive play and ability to log minutes against top opposition.

“Patrick has spent a lot of time this offseason building on his physical shape and getting ready for this season ” said Head Coach Bryce Dale. “He will bring enthusiasm to our team and a fantastic work ethic to our back end as he works towards his goal of playing college hockey next season. We are excited to have Patrick and believe he will add a lot to our hockey club on the blue line.”

Monster fans can watch Rieberger and Trinker hit the 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.