FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — For the first time in 17 years, the puck drops for the Fresno Falcons.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Curtin played for the Falcons from 2005-2008.<\/p>\n
“It’ll bring back memories,” he said. “I think anytime you’re at a sold out arena, it’s exciting.”<\/p>\n
In order to be prepared for the season opener, reinforcements flew into Fresno.<\/p>\n
Seattle Torrent forward Marah Wagner worked out all week with the Falcons, retracing her Fresno roots to the place where her parents met.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The Falcons anxiously await the debut of this storied franchise in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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