FALCONS ADD HEAVYWEIGHT ENFORCER CATLIN BIG SNAKE

Fresno strengthens its physical identity with the addition of the 6-foot-5 forward and Bare Knuckle Ice Wars veteran

FRESNO, CA — The Fresno Falcons have added one of the most imposing and experienced physical presences available, signing heavyweight forward Catlin Big Snake for the club’s inaugural season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.

A native of the Siksika Nation in Alberta, Canada, Big Snake stands approximately 6-foot-5 and 276 pounds. Throughout a hockey career spanning junior, senior and professional competition, the left-shot forward has established a clear identity: protecting his teammates, confronting opposing players and ensuring his club is never physically intimidated.

Big Snake’s willingness to drop the gloves has become a defining element of his career, but his fighting résumé stretches far beyond conventional hockey altercations.

Known in combat competition as “The Chief,” Big Snake has participated in Ice Wars, a combat sport that removes the sticks, puck and traditional gameplay and places two fighters on the ice for an organized bare-knuckle fight. Competitors wear hockey skates and protective equipment while being evaluated on effective striking, aggression and control of the fighting area.

Big Snake’s most prominent appearance came at BKFC Ice Wars 1: Battle of the Border on June 14, 2025, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Representing Canada in the event’s main fight, Big Snake faced Zach “The Hooligan” Hughes and earned a first-round knockout victory.

The victory displayed the combination of size, balance and punching power that has made Big Snake such a formidable opponent. Fighting while standing on skate blades requires a different level of coordination than traditional boxing, but Big Snake used his hockey background and strength to deliver a decisive finish.

His involvement in organized ice fighting followed years of building a reputation as one of the most physically imposing players in Canadian hockey.

Big Snake competed across several junior leagues, including the Prairie Junior Hockey League, British Columbia Hockey League, Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Alberta Junior Hockey League and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. During one PJHL season, he accumulated an extraordinary 223 penalty minutes in only 33 games, an average of more than six penalty minutes per appearance.

During the 2009-10 season with the BCHL’s Quesnel Millionaires, Big Snake recorded 51 penalty minutes in 14 games. His time in Quesnel was followed by an opportunity with the La Ronge Ice Wolves, joining the club during a championship season that concluded with an appearance at Canada’s national junior championship tournament.

Even in brief stretches, Big Snake’s physical impact has been immediate. During an earlier stop in Saddle Lake, he accumulated more than 50 penalty minutes across only two games. He later spent several seasons competing in Canadian senior hockey, participating in tournaments and championship runs while continuing to embrace the role of a heavyweight and team protector.

Big Snake entered the FPHL with the Monroe Moccasins during the 2024-25 season. He appeared in one regular-season game and collected 10 penalty minutes, offering an immediate glimpse of the role he was brought in to perform.

Now, Big Snake brings that presence to Fresno.

His addition gives the Falcons a legitimate heavyweight capable of changing the emotional temperature of a game. Big Snake’s presence provides a deterrent against opponents taking liberties with Fresno’s skilled players and gives the team someone willing to answer immediately when a teammate is targeted.

That responsibility extends beyond accumulating penalty minutes. A dependable enforcer must understand when a response is necessary, recognize when the team needs an emotional lift and remain prepared to stand between an opponent and one of his teammates. Big Snake has spent much of his career carrying that responsibility.

His size will also provide Fresno with a powerful presence along the boards and around the crease. At 6-foot-5, Big Snake can create space in congested areas, wear down opposing defenders and bring an added level of confrontation to every shift.

Big Snake’s journey carries additional significance through his connection to the Siksika Nation. He began skating at a young age in Siksika and has spoken about his desire to represent his home community throughout his hockey career. His path has taken him across Canada and into professional hockey and organized combat competition, but his connection to his community has remained an important part of his identity.

For Falcons fans, the message behind the signing is unmistakable.

Fresno intends to be difficult to play against. The Falcons intend to protect their players. And when a game becomes physical, the team will have one of the most experienced ice fighters in the sport prepared to respond.

With the addition of Catlin Big Snake, heavyweight hockey is coming to Selland Arena.

Talons Up.