The Return to Mayhem

The sounds of skates and the clash of hockey pucks mean one thing in Fresno. The Fresno Monsters are back in action for the 2021-2022 seasons.

Fresno Monsters veteran player Narek Aleksanyan lived in Quebec, Canada before he became part of the monsters for over two seasons.

“It was amazing seeing the fans back here, which is awesome because the kids just look at us and try to be us and that’s awesome,” Aleksanyan says.

The Fresno Monsters are part of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), which is noted as being the largest of the junior hockey organizations in the world.

John English, director of broadcasting for the Monsters, says their sanctioning body has placed more players into the NHL than any other organization.

Being part of a powerful organization such as the USPHL, it was difficult for the team to play their season because of COVID-19.

“2020-2021 we were without people in the building aside from essential personnel or family individuals because these players come from all over the world. They are actually staying with families in Fresno,” English says.

Luckily, with the decline in COVID cases in California and a two-year wait, fans are welcomed back at the Gateway Ice Center to watch the Fresno Monsters “bring the mayhem.” With a 10 and 2 record so far on the 2021-2022 season, the Monsters are looking to be hot on the ice with their loyal fans cheering them on.

“It’s really cool to come into the building and seeing the stands and the glass filled out,” says Fresno Monster Leon Biller. “It really gives you that extra motivation and gives you something to play for.”