Falcons Acquire Four Players in Trade with Blue Ridge

FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Falcons have completed a multi-player trade with the Blue Ridge Bobcats, acquiring Hugo Koch, Justin Daly, Elias Lieffers and Nick McHugh in exchange for the FPHL rights to Patriks Marcinkevics, Nolan Sargent and Benjamin Pizzimenti.

The move comes after Marcinkevics, who Fresno acquired earlier this offseason, signed with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers and indicated that he does not plan to play in the FPHL. With Marcinkevics continuing his career at the ECHL level, the Falcons elected to move his FPHL rights as part of a deal that brings four players back to Fresno.

Rather than hold onto an asset unlikely to factor into the Falcons’ roster this season, Fresno was able to turn those rights, along with the rights to Sargent and Pizzimenti, into four additions who bring scoring, size, physicality and professional experience to an already competitive roster.

Hugo Koch

Hugo Koch joins Fresno as one of the FPHL’s more dynamic two-way forwards, combining high-end offensive ability with a reputation as one of the league’s top forecheckers.

The Swedish forward initially made his mark in North America with the Mississippi Sea Wolves during the 2023-24 season, producing 25 goals and 42 assists for 67 points in 48 games and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young offensive talents.

Koch later earned opportunities at the SPHL level before returning to the FPHL, and during the 2025-26 season he caught fire after being traded to Biloxi.

Koch joined the Breakers in February and proceeded to record an incredible 5 goals and 28 assists for 33 points in only 17 games. That stretch worked out to nearly two points per game, with Koch emerging as one of Biloxi’s most dangerous offensive weapons down the stretch. 

One of the biggest performances of that run came on March 27 when Biloxi played under its former Mississippi Sea Wolves identity against Baton Rouge. Koch erupted for a hat trick and three assists, finishing the night with six points in a 7-4 victory. 

His impact goes beyond his point totals. Koch plays with relentless pressure without the puck and has developed a reputation as one of the FPHL’s top forecheckers. His speed and puck pursuit allow him to pressure opposing defensemen, disrupt breakouts and create turnovers that can quickly become scoring opportunities.

That combination of playmaking, skating and work on the forecheck gives Fresno another forward capable of driving possession and impacting the game in several different ways. After his late-season surge in Biloxi, Koch comes to the Falcons having shown that he can take over offensively while still bringing the type of relentless puck pursuit Fresno wants throughout its lineup.

Koch has since spent time with the Pensacola Ice Flyers and Macon Mayhem while continuing to establish himself as a dangerous player in the FPHL.

Beyond the point totals, Koch’s ability to pressure opposing defensemen and create turnovers makes him especially valuable. He plays with pace, attacks puck carriers aggressively and can turn a successful forecheck into immediate offense.

That combination of speed, puck pursuit and playmaking ability gives Fresno another forward capable of impacting the game with or without the puck. Koch can create offense in transition, distribute to skilled linemates and make life difficult for opponents attempting to break out of their own zone.

Justin Daly

Justin Daly brings Fresno another proven scorer with a noticeable physical edge to his game.

During his time with Blue Ridge, Daly established himself as a forward capable of contributing offensively while also playing a heavier style. His willingness to finish checks, battle around the boards and compete in difficult areas adds another dimension to the Falcons’ forward group.

Daly has demonstrated that physicality does not come at the expense of production. He has already produced consistently at the FPHL level, including a 20-goal season, while also earning opportunities to play in the SPHL.

Before entering professional hockey, Daly developed through the junior and collegiate ranks, including time in the NAHL and NCAA Division III hockey. That experience has helped shape him into a versatile forward capable of handling different roles within a lineup.

For Fresno, Daly adds a player who can score, play through contact and create energy on the forecheck. His style fits particularly well with a Falcons roster that continues to add players capable of combining skill with an aggressive, difficult-to-play-against identity.

Elias Lieffers

Elias Lieffers gives Fresno another major presence up front, standing 6-foot-5 and approximately 210 pounds.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native developed through the Manitoba Junior Hockey League before spending four seasons at Nipissing University, gaining extensive experience at the U SPORTS level before turning professional.

Lieffers later earned an opportunity in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers, appearing in 25 regular-season games during the 2024-25 campaign and remaining with the club into the postseason.

His size immediately gives Fresno another option around the net, along the boards and in puck-protection situations. However, Lieffers has also shown the ability to distribute the puck and contribute offensively rather than simply relying on his frame.

His combination of size, reach and professional experience provides Fresno with a different look among its forwards. Lieffers can help extend offensive-zone possessions, create traffic around opposing goaltenders and make it more difficult for defenders to separate Fresno from the puck.

With experience at the collegiate, ECHL and FPHL levels, Lieffers adds another mature and versatile piece to the Falcons’ forward group.

Nick McHugh

Nick McHugh comes to Fresno with an extensive hockey background and, like Daly, brings a physical edge to complement his offensive ability.

The Ontario native spent a significant portion of his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League, playing nearly 200 regular-season games with the Kitchener Rangers before also spending time with the Mississauga Steelheads.

That major-junior experience provided McHugh with years of development against high-level competition before he eventually transitioned into professional hockey.

At the FPHL level, McHugh has demonstrated an ability to produce while also playing an aggressive style. He recorded 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points during a season with Blue Ridge, becoming an important part of the Bobcats’ offensive attack.

McHugh’s game also carries a harder element. He is willing to engage physically, compete along the walls and play through contact, giving Fresno another forward who can make an impact beyond the scoresheet.

He has also earned SPHL experience, adding another level of professional hockey to his résumé.

McHugh’s combination of skating, offensive instincts, physical play and major-junior experience gives Fresno another versatile option who can contribute throughout the lineup.

Falcons Add Four Different Dimensions

The additions of Koch, Daly, Lieffers and McHugh continue an aggressive offseason of roster construction for Fresno.

Each player brings a different element.

Koch adds high-end offensive production, relentless puck pursuit and elite forechecking ability. Daly combines scoring touch with a physical, hard-nosed style. Lieffers gives Fresno size, reach and ECHL experience, while McHugh provides offensive ability, physicality and an extensive major-junior background.

Together, the four additions provide Fresno with even more depth and create additional competition as the Falcons move toward training camp and the start of the 2026-27 season.

The trade also allows Fresno to capitalize on Marcinkevics’ FPHL rights after his move to Wheeling, turning a player who does not currently plan to return to the league into multiple pieces who can potentially contribute to the Falcons.

Fresno continues to build toward the return of professional hockey to Selland Arena, with the Falcons set to host Oceanside HC on Friday, October 9 in their 2026-27 home opener.

Trade Summary

Fresno Falcons receive:
Hugo Koch
Justin Daly
Elias Lieffers
Nick McHugh

Blue Ridge Bobcats receive:
FPHL rights to Patriks Marcinkevics
FPHL rights to Nolan Sargent
FPHL rights to Benjamin Pizzimenti