Fresno acquires proven FPHL scorer with OHL, SPHL and ECHL experience

FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Falcons have acquired forward Kyle Heitzner from the Danbury Hat Tricks in exchange for future considerations, adding another proven offensive weapon to the roster ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Heitzner, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward from Ontario, brings a combination of scoring ability, versatility and professional experience to Fresno. Capable of playing both center and wing, Heitzner has established himself as a productive forward at the Federal Prospects Hockey League level while also earning opportunities in both the Southern Professional Hockey League and ECHL during his career.

The acquisition gives Fresno another experienced option up front as the Falcons continue putting together a highly competitive group heading into training camp.

Proven Production in the FPHL

Heitzner has shown throughout his FPHL career that he can consistently create offense.

During the 2024-25 season, he opened the year with the Watertown Wolves and quickly emerged as one of the club's most dangerous offensive players. In just 16 games with Watertown, Heitzner scored 13 goals and added 11 assists for 24 points, producing at a point-and-a-half-per-game pace.

After that season he went on to Monroe then Columbus, his production continued. Heitzner recorded six goals and seven assists for 13 points in 12 games before later finishing the season with Columbus, where he added another two goals in three appearances.

That stretch provided another example of the offensive ability Heitzner can bring to Fresno. He has shown an ability to finish around the net while also creating opportunities for his linemates, giving the Falcons a forward who does not have to rely on one particular part of his game to generate offense.

Heitzner carried that production into the 2025-26 season with the Blue Ridge Bobcats, scoring 10 goals and 16 points in only 17 games. He later produced another four goals and six assists for 10 points in eight games with Biloxi, continuing to contribute offensively throughout the season.

Experience at the Next Level

Perhaps just as important as Heitzner's FPHL production is the fact that his play has earned him opportunities above the league.

During the 2025-26 season, Heitzner appeared in the SPHL with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, recording an assist in three games. He also reached the ECHL, appearing in two games with the Adirondack Thunder and another with the Tulsa Oilers.

Those opportunities add another layer of experience to Fresno's forward group.

Heitzner has played in different systems, different leagues and different roles throughout his professional career. For a Falcons team continuing to build depth and competition throughout its lineup, his ability to adjust and contribute in multiple situations gives Fresno another intriguing option entering camp.

Major Junior Background

Long before establishing himself professionally, Heitzner developed his game in one of the premier junior hockey leagues in the world.

He spent three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, beginning his major junior career with the Barrie Colts.

Heitzner appeared in 52 games as an OHL rookie in 2016-17 before playing another 58 games for Barrie the following season. He finished his Colts career with 110 regular-season appearances before being traded to the Mississauga Steelheads in 2018. He also appeared in 11 OHL postseason games with Barrie during the 2017-18 season.

That background gave Heitzner significant experience playing in a highly structured, demanding environment before making the transition into professional hockey.

Competition Continues to Grow

With a growing group of forwards bringing different combinations of size, speed, skill, physicality and professional experience, every roster position will have to be earned once camp begins. Heitzner now enters that competition as one of the more experienced FPHL scorers in the group.

For Fresno, acquiring a player with proven production without moving a player off the current roster gives the Falcons another opportunity to strengthen their forward depth ahead of their inaugural season. And for Heitzner, the move brings another opportunity to make an impact with a new organization.

The Fresno Falcons have acquired forward Kyle Heitzner from the Danbury Hat Tricks in exchange for future considerations.