FALCONS ACQUIRE FPHL GOAL-SCORING LEADER PATRIKS MARCINKEVICS IN TRADE WITH STOCKTON

FRESNO, CA – The Fresno Falcons have acquired forward Patriks Marcinkevics from the Stockton Thunder in exchange for defenseman Carter Shinkaruk, bringing one of the Federal Prospects Hockey League’s most dangerous offensive players to the Central Valley ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The trade sends a two-time reigning FPHL Defenseman of the Year to Stockton while Fresno adds a proven high-end scorer coming off a massive season with the Pee Dee IceCats.

Marcinkevics, a native of Riga, Latvia, established himself as one of the FPHL’s premier offensive weapons during the 2025-26 campaign. The 5-foot-9, 168-pound left-shot forward appeared in 53 regular-season games for Pee Dee and recorded 42 goals and 48 assists for 90 points, averaging 1.70 points per game while finishing with a plus-13 rating.

His 42 goals led the entire FPHL, while his 90 points placed him fourth among the league’s scoring leaders.

Marcinkevics was especially dominant down the stretch. Over 14 games during March and April, he erupted for 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points, earning FPHL Player of the Month honors. He recorded multiple four-point performances during that stretch and helped push Pee Dee into the postseason.

That production carried directly into the playoffs.

Marcinkevics finished the 2026 postseason with five goals and six assists for 11 points in eight games, ranking among the league’s leading playoff scorers. His ability to produce in high-pressure situations became especially apparent during Pee Dee’s postseason run, including scoring early and later setting up a game-tying goal in the final seconds of regulation during an overtime victory against Columbus.

For Fresno, the acquisition adds another explosive offensive option to a roster already being constructed around speed, scoring ability, experience and high-end skill.

Marcinkevics is more than simply a player who found success at the FPHL level. His résumé includes significant experience higher in the professional hockey system.

During the 2024-25 season, Marcinkevics appeared in 38 ECHL games between the Atlanta Gladiators and Bloomington Bison, producing eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points. He also played seven games with the Macon Mayhem of the SPHL, recording one goal and four assists.

A season earlier, Marcinkevics began his professional career with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies, appearing in six games and collecting three assists. He also produced 25 points in 23 SPHL games between the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and Quad City Storm.

Before turning professional, Marcinkevics played NCAA Division I hockey with Michigan Tech and Long Island University, producing 29 points in 29 collegiate games.

That combination of experience, offensive instincts and proven production gives Fresno another player capable of creating offense in a variety of situations. Marcinkevics can generate chances with the puck, distribute to teammates and, as his league-leading 42 goals demonstrated last season, finish those opportunities himself.

The trade also completes an unusual path to Fresno for Marcinkevics.

Following Pee Dee’s departure from the FPHL, Marcinkevics was selected by the Stockton Thunder in the Pee Dee player dispersal draft on July 10. Less than a month later, Fresno has acquired the star forward from its California rival, keeping Marcinkevics in the FPHL while bringing one of last season’s most productive players to Selland Arena.

The move continues an aggressive offseason for Fresno as the Falcons construct their inaugural roster for the return of professional hockey to the Central Valley.

Marcinkevics now joins a Fresno forward group being assembled with significant scoring talent, experience and offensive upside. After a 42-goal, 90-point regular season and another 11 points in the postseason, Marcinkevics gives the Falcons another proven game-changing offensive threat heading into their first season at Selland Arena.

The Fresno Falcons thank Carter Shinkaruk for his time with the organization and wish him the best moving forward in Stockton.

The Falcons welcome Patriks Marcinkevics to Fresno and the Central Valley.

For the latest Fresno Falcons news, roster announcements, ticket information and more, follow @fresnofalconshockey on Facebook and Instagram.

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