FALCONS ACQUIRE FORMER DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR JOSH COLTEN

FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Falcons have acquired veteran defenseman and former FPHL Defenseman of the Year Josh Colten from the Motor City Rockers in exchange for Eli Leiffers and Roni Alanko, adding another proven veteran presence to Fresno’s blue line ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Colten brings more than 300 games of professional experience, an extensive history of offensive production from the blue line and one of the league’s top individual honors to Fresno.

The Torrance, California native was named Defenseman of the Year in 2018 following the 2017-18 season with the Port Huron Prowlers. Colten recorded 10 goals and 37 assists for 47 points in 47 games while finishing with a plus-34 rating, sharing the league honor with Kyle Powell.

That award-winning season established Colten as one of the league’s premier offensive defensemen, and he has continued to produce throughout his career.

After joining Motor City in 2022-23, Colten recorded 41 points in his first season with the Rockers before following with 43 points in 2023-24 and 42 points in 2024-25. That final season in Motor City included a career-high 15 goals from the blue line.

Colten also developed into an important leader for the organization, eventually serving as captain of the Motor City Rockers.

He spent the 2025-26 season with the Columbus River Dragons, appearing in all 56 regular-season games and finishing with 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points.

For Fresno, Colten adds another defenseman capable of impacting the game at both ends of the ice. His ability to move the puck, create offense through transition and contribute from the point gives the Falcons another proven option on the back end.

His experience also adds another veteran voice to a Fresno roster being built to compete immediately in its first season back at Selland Arena.

The move brings Colten back to his home state as well. A Southern California native, he developed in the California hockey scene before continuing his career in junior, collegiate and professional hockey across North America.

Now, after years spent playing across the country, the former Defenseman of the Year will continue his professional career in California.

Motor City receives Eli Leiffers and Roni Alanko as part of the transaction.

For Fresno, the move adds a defenseman with a proven résumé, consistent offensive production and valuable leadership experience.

Welcome to Fresno Josh, Talons Up.

If you want a chance to see Colten in action, get your tickets by calling (559) 321-5055 or by emailing tickets@fresnofalconshockey.com