FALCONS DEFEAT THUNDER 8–4 AS HUFFNAGLE’S HAT TRICK HIGHLIGHTS RIVALRY WEEKEND

Fresno celebrates Día de los Muertos Night with six different goal scorers at Selland Arena

FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Falcons gave their fans plenty to celebrate Saturday night, defeating the Stockton Thunder 8–4 at Selland Arena behind Aaron Huffnagle’s hat trick. The victory capped a shortened weekend in the Battle for the 99, with Friday’s scheduled matchup in Stockton postponed because of unsafe ice conditions.

Saturday’s Día de los Muertos celebration opened with an immediate spark. Noah Finstrom scored just 33 seconds into the contest, and Austin Albrecht followed at 6:28 to put Fresno ahead 2–0.

Stockton answered with power-play goals from Petr Panacek and Payton Jones, but the tie lasted only 39 seconds. Wynston Iserhoff finished a play set up by Albrecht to restore Fresno’s lead, sending the Falcons into the first intermission ahead 3–2.

Huffnagle took over in the second period, scoring twice on the power play. The Thunder continued to respond, drawing within one goal on two occasions, but Justin Daly added another power-play tally to give Fresno a 6–4 advantage through 40 minutes.

The Falcons closed the door in the third. Carson Vance extended the lead before Huffnagle completed his hat trick at 16:33, assisted by Iserhoff. Fresno held Stockton scoreless over the final 20 minutes to secure the victory.

Austyn Roudebush earned the win with 21 saves on 25 shots. At the other end, William Augustine stopped 34 of Fresno’s 42 shots. The Falcons finished 3-for-11 on the power play, while Stockton converted three of six opportunities.

Watch the Highlights

Relive Huffnagle’s hat trick, Fresno’s fast start and the biggest moments from Saturday’s Battle for the 99 victory.

Friday’s Game Postponed

The teams were originally scheduled to begin the weekend Friday, October 23, at Adventist Health Arena. Following warmups, an ice-resurfacing equipment malfunction damaged a section of the playing surface. After an extended delay, officials determined the ice was unsafe, and the game was postponed.

Up Next: Halloween Spooktacular

The Falcons return to Selland Arena on Friday, October 30, hosting the Oceanside Shock at 7:05 p.m. Pacific for the Halloween Spooktacular.

Bring the energy and help Fresno keep the momentum going on home ice! For tickets and game information, visit FresnoFalconsHockey.com