Your Fresno Monsters are proud to announce the signing of local rookie defensemen Luke Richesin and Daniel Goodwin to their sophomore seasons in 2015-2016.  Both defensemen are local Fresno products for the Monsters and look to build on their successful rookie seasons and build on the Monsters defense.  The two will be a part of a veteran defensive corps that is retuning Mark Shroyer, Mitchell Dolman, and Jonathan Bengtsson, along with newcomers Josh Rieberger and Patrick Trinker.

Last season, Richesin played an integral role in the Monsters success as the Green and Black won their second Western Division Championship in two years in 2014-2015.  The Clovis, California native adjusted nicely to junior hockey at the young age of 15, playing in over 32 games for the Monsters last season.  In those 32 games, Richesin notched 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points. 

“Luke had a fantastic season last year being one of the youngest players in junior hockey across the entire country” stated Head Coach Bryce Dale. “There are not many junior hockey players, in fact maybe dozen or so, that play Junior ‘A’ hockey at the age of fifteen.  Luke exceeded our expectations last year and adjusted nicely despite being a younger player. However, last season is in the past and we look for Luke to raise the bar and be even more of an impact player on our blue line this year."

Along with Richesin, the Monsters will return local defenseman Daniel Goodwin to the blue line in 2015-2016.  Goodwin came to the Monsters after starting last season with the El Paso Rhinos and has been a welcomed addition to the Fresno blue line.  In 13 games for the Monsters, Goodwin registered 6 assists and 9 penalty minutes for Fresno and looks to build on a solid rookie season.

“Daniel was a nice addition to our blue line last season and established a physical presence for us” stated Head Coach Bryce Dale. “We are excited to have Daniel and his physical play on our blue line this season as we work towards being more defensively tight this season.  I want our defense to have high compete levels that make the opposition earn everything and Daniel’s style of play helps us start closer to that goal.”

Monster fans will be able to catch Daniel and Luke suit up all season long as the Monsters play 24 regular season home games at Gateway Ice Center.  The Monsters 2015-2016 home regular season starts on Thursday, October 22nd as Fresno hosts the San Diego Sabres at 7:45 P.M. Season Tickets, Group Tickets, and Single Game Tickets can be purchased through the Monsters Office by calling 549-4TIX.  For more information about the Monsters and their schedule please visit the Monsters website at www.fresnomonsters.com.