Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Fresno Monsters the former professional team from Fresno, CA?

NO!  The Fresno Monsters Hockey Team is a completely new organization.  Established January of 2009, Fresno Ice, Inc., D.B.A. Fresno Monsters was implemented by a group of local Valley investors dedicated to rebuilding hockey in the Central Valley.  Management partners selected the team name “Monsters” since Fresno is the “monster” of the Central Valley with the color scheme of green, gold, black, and white to honor the colors worn by previous hockey teams to uphold the city’s hockey legacy.

The Fresno Monsters consist of two teams: a Junior A Tier II team in the North American Hockey League and a Junior A Tier III team in the Western States Hockey League.

What is junior hockey?

Junior hockey is the pinnacle of the skill development program of USA Hockey.  It is available to high school students and graduates who seek a greater or different challenge than that which may be available through their prep school team, high school varsity club, or area midget teams.  The principle purpose of this development program is to prepare players for career advancement either collegiately or in the professional field.

The Fresno Monsters have two Junior A hockey teams; Junior A hockey is the highest level of amateur hockey in North America.

You have two Fresno Monsters teams?
What are the differences in the teams?

Yes!  There are two Fresno Monsters teams at two different levels, a true junior hockey developmental system: 

1. NAHL, Tier II – The Fresno Monsters Junior A Tier II team is in the North American Hockey League, with high levels of competition.  Teams in the NAHL focus on transitioning players from midget and high school hockey to college by creating an environment that is highly competitive, encourages skill development and provides time for extra physical growth and maturity.  Players range from age 16 – 21 years of age.  The NAHL is a Junior A league, closely affiliated with USA Hockey.  Its primary goal is to enhance the development of its players through top-quality coaching, extensive practice time, recruiting exposure, and a rigorous game schedule.

2. WSHL, Tier III – The Fresno Monsters Junior A Tier III team is in the Western States Hockey League.  With player eligibility from age 16 – 21 years of age, the WSHL was implemented to improve and develop the skills and abilities of the participants, players, coaches, and officials.  Focusing closely on skill development, social maturity, and educational advancements, it is the hopes of the players and staff to see improvements in their skill sets, with hopes that players will advance to our highest-caliber Fresno Monsters team in the NAHL.