After three weeks of practice from the coaching staff and training with Head Strength Coach Steve Sobonya, Fresno will head into arch rival Valencia for a three game series to start the 2015-2016 season.  The rivalry between Fresno and Valencia is one that has grown over the past couple of seasons as the Monsters were required to defeat the Flyers for two of their three divisional championships in organizational history.

Fresno looks to repeat its success from 2014-2015 with a strong start against Valencia this weekend after eliminating the Flyers last year in the Western Division Championship series.  A key element that will determine Fresno’s success will be the veteran presence in their lineup, with returning more than 12 players to the roster this season.  From the blue line in, Fresno has a significant veteran presence with 6 of the 8 Monsters defensemen serving as returning players along with the return of league leading goaltender Nathan Churchill between the pipes.

Up front the Monsters return more than 6 players, including top scorer Mike Nolan, speedster Carter Dahl, journeymen Corey Munro and Conner Osborne,  as well as goal scorer Jacob Haynes. Entering his 6th season with Fresno, Coach Bryce Dale believes that it is the intangible characteristics that will determine how the team will compete right out of the gate on Thursday.  Last season, the Monsters scored 301 goals for in 46 games, which was good for first in the Western States Hockey League, respectively.  Although the season calendar is different, Fresno looks to continue that momentum and pick up right where they left off from last season with the addition of forwards Grayden Hohl, Cameron Seto, Brennan Kosloski, and Colton Schneiderman. Also, the Monsters have recently acquired forward Cody Key from the Cheyenne Stampede to round out the Monsters attack.

“I believe that our skill level is right there to where it was last season and that our leadership and compete level up front will be a strength that we want to play into.  We are a traditionally quick team and will try to overwhelm them with our speed, which I believe is an upgrade over last season as well.  Guys like Mitch Dolman, Carter Dahl, Mike Nolan, and Jacob Haynes have come into camp in great shape and I believe that they will be leaders that we need to start us off on the right foot.

Although the rivalry is competitive, the coaching between the two teams has a great level of respect for the other. “I enjoy coaching against Coach Berge in Valencia because he is an educated coach that knows how to get the most out of his team.  I respect hard working colleagues and he is one of the hardest working coaches in the league.  It’s always fun playing against each other.” said Head Coach & General Manager Bryce Dale.  Last season, Fresno advanced past the Flyers to win their third Western Division Championship in four seasons after eliminating the Flyers in a best-of-three series in two games. 

“Valencia was a very tough team to play against last year and you have to be prepared when going into their barn as it is a difficult place to play.  They are a resilient hockey club and we had to make several adjustments in order for us to be successful.  They are fun games for the coaches and especially the players because they have been traditionally close games that experience several lead changes as well.” continued Coach Dale. “We know that they are a well coached team and we will need to be mentally sharp and consistent throughout the entire weekend in order to be successful.”

Fans can watch the Monsters hit the ice against Valencia on Thursday night via live webcast on www.fasthockey.com.  For up to the minute scores and updates, fans can also join in on the social media experience via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram throughout the contests as well.  Fresno will return to home ice on the 22nd for their home opener against the San Diego Sabres.  Tickets go on sale October 1st online at www.fresnomonsters.com.  

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