FALCONS SIGN PHYSICAL FORWARD JUSTIN DALY

FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Falcons have signed forward Justin Daly for the 2026-27 season, adding another proven combination of scoring ability, experience and physicality to an already deep Fresno lineup.

Daly, a 26-year-old native of Delano, Minnesota, comes to Fresno after spending the majority of his professional career with the Blue Ridge Bobcats of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The Falcons originally acquired Daly alongside Hugo Koch, Elias Lieffers and Nick McHugh in a multi-player trade with Blue Ridge before securing him for the upcoming season.

The 5-foot-11 forward is coming off the most productive season of his professional career.

During the 2025-26 season, Daly appeared in 50 regular-season games for Blue Ridge and recorded 20 goals and 16 assists for 36 points, while also accumulating 82 penalty minutes. His 20-goal campaign demonstrated the offensive side of a player who has also established himself as one of the more physical forwards in the FPHL.

Daly isn't afraid to play through contact, finish checks or become involved in the difficult areas of the ice. That edge has been a consistent part of his game throughout his time in Blue Ridge, where he developed a reputation for being difficult to play against while still contributing offensively. Blue Ridge itself previously described Daly as an on-ice menace because of the combination of his physical game and scoring touch.

That combination fits directly into the type of roster Fresno has assembled ahead of its inaugural FPHL season.

The Falcons have added considerable offensive talent throughout the offseason, but Daly gives Fresno another forward capable of complementing that skill with pressure, toughness and a willingness to make opponents uncomfortable. Whether that means battling along the boards, working around the front of the net or delivering a heavy hit, Daly brings another dimension to Fresno's forward group.

He has also shown that his physical style does not come at the expense of production.

Across three seasons with Blue Ridge, Daly totaled 112 regular-season appearances with 37 goals and 33 assists for 70 points, developing into one of the most established players in the young franchise's history.

His game has translated beyond the FPHL as well.

During the 2023-24 campaign, Daly earned opportunities in the Southern Professional Hockey League with both the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and Fayetteville Marksmen. Across 12 SPHL appearances, he produced five goals and four assists for nine points, an average of three-quarters of a point per game.

Before turning professional, Daly developed through several respected levels of American hockey.

He spent time in the North American Hockey League with the Kenai River Brown Bears before playing for the North Iowa Bulls, producing 52 points across his junior career between the organizations. Daly later advanced to NCAA Division III hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Now, Daly will bring that experience to California as Fresno continues building a roster designed to be able to win in several different ways.

The Falcons have assembled high-end scoring talent throughout the offseason, while also emphasizing players capable of forechecking, defending, playing physically and creating difficult matchups. Daly checks several of those boxes.

His addition also continues Fresno's influx of experienced FPHL talent. Having already played more than 100 games in the league, Daly arrives knowing the physical demands, travel and style of play required to succeed over the course of an FPHL season.

And after reaching the 20-goal mark for the first time professionally last season, the Falcons will look for Daly to bring both sides of his game to Selland Arena.

For Fresno, it means another forward who can put the puck in the net.

It also means another player opponents will have to keep their heads up against.

Daly and the Falcons will begin their historic 2026-27 season this fall as professional hockey returns to Fresno. The Falcons will host Oceanside HC on Friday, October 9 at Selland Arena for the team's home opener.

Season memberships are on sale now. Fans interested in securing their seats for the return of professional hockey to Fresno can contact the Falcons ticket office at tickets@fresnofalconshockey.com.

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