Fresno Falcons Make Major Statement, Select Four Athens Standouts in 2026 FPHL Dispersal Draft

FRESNO, CA – The Fresno Falcons continued building one of the more intriguing and intimidating rosters in the FPHL, adding four players from the Athens Rock Lobsters (who were dispersing players after their league departure), in the 2026 FPHL Dispersal Draft to complement the team’s Expansion Draft selections of top tier goaltending, heavy bodies, and especially their top selection, forward Austin Albrecht.

Fresno selected forward Garrett Milan with the first overall pick after trading for the first overall with the newly named Stockton Thunder, forward Malik Johnson with the second overall after trading up in the draft with the Minnesota Lights, Carter Shinkaruk was Fresno’s first pick from the draft, while Kyle Pow was selected to Fresno after trading for the ninth overall pick from the Indiana Sentinel’s. The additions give the Falcons a major boost in proven scoring, certain leadership, physicality, and high-end defensive production as the organization continues preparing for its return to professional hockey.

These selections come just days after Fresno drafted their first pick in the expansion draft Austin Albrecht, who was one of the league’s most productive offensive player with the Monroe Moccasins last season, averaging two points per game, immediately making Fresno a serious threat. Now adding players like Milan, Johnson, Shinkaruk, and Pow push the Falcons to have one of the more premiere teams coming off the draft.

Milan headlines Fresno’s Dispersal Draft class as one of the most accomplished offensive players available. The North Vancouver, British Columbia native recorded 31 goals, 56 assists, for 87 points in 51 games last season for the Athens Rock Lobsters, finishing as one of their top offensive weapons. That production came one year after Milan was named the 2024-25 FPHL’s Most Valuable Player, a season where he reached the 100-point mark. 

Pairing Milan with Albrecht gives Fresno a dangerous two headed monster that can change a game’s pace and tempo in a hurry. Alchrecht brings high-end finishing, pace, and point per game dominance. While Milan adds speed, discipline, and elite level stick work in a proven MVP-level production. Together, they give the Falcons a top-end offensive foundation that can drive the team’s offensive attack from day one.

Johnson adds another dynamic piece to the Falcons’ forward group. In limited action with Athens during the 2025-26 season, Johnson recorded two goals, 17 assists, for 19 points in 18 games while also adding 84 penalty minutes. His high point-per-game production showed his ability to contribute offensively, while his physical presence gives Fresno another capable player who can break a point-per-game average. All of this while bringing energy, pace, and a physical presence to the line up with his ability to get pucks in dire areas, freeing up play for his line mates.

This is what earned spot in the ECHL with the South Carolina Stingrays and Allen Americans. Johnson adds offensive skill to Fresno who already surrounds themselves with elite firepower in Albrech and Milan. Johnson adds a piece that solidifies that duo and adds serious depth and grit to a lineup that is already intimidating. Johnson brings the type of edge and competitiveness that can create space, extend shifts, and make Freson harder to play against. His ECHL experience adds another player with higher-level experience to the Falcons’ locker room.

On the back end, Shinkaruk represents a very important, impactful, selection in the draft. The Langley, British Columbia native was named FPHL’s defensemen of the year, going back-to-back with that title after earning it with Athens the previous season in the 2024-25 season. This past season, Shinkaruk appeared in all 56 games and recorded 25 goals, 47 assists, for 72 points, finishing with a staggering plus 22 rating, five game-winning goals, and 209 shots on net.

For Fresno, the value of Shinkaruk comes from his ability to read plays, and his offensive blue line presence. His speed and ability to accelerate from the line allows for the Falcons to play a more high-octane type of hockey, giving opposing teams little opportunity to breathe. While his defense is an elite presence for the Falcons, even more impressive is his ability to contribute with the play. Earning 47 assists in the season for the Lobsters, Shinkaruk allows for the play to open from the high slot when the puck hits his stick. For a team building around high-end offensive talent, adding an elite puck-moving defenseman is a major step, and a major threat to any team on the back check.

Last but certainly not least, is Kyle Pow. Pow rounds out Fresno’s the dispersal draft with a different element to the defensive group. At 6’6, 225 points, Pow brings size, reach, and physicality to the Falcons’ blue line. During the 2025-26 season with Athens, Pow appeared in 19 games and recorded 109 penalty minutes, giving Fresno a defender who can defend the puck, but also stick up for his team when the time comes. Pow is not afraid to get physical and get into fights making life difficult for opposing teams.

Pow also spent time in the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks during the 2025-26 season, giving Fresno another player with a higher-level experience. His presence complements skill and offensive upside added through Albrecht, Milan, Johnson, and Shinkaruk by giving the Falcons a physical defensive piece who can set the tone every game.

Together, the additions of Milan, Johnson, Shinkaruk, and Powe show a clear direction for Fresno. The Falcons are not just adding depth, they’re building an offensive juggernaut that will make life very difficult for any opponent they play. Milan is a great complement to the play style of Albrecht while being an immense threat all his own. His high caliber, elite level, and almost inhuman offensive intuition. While Shinkaruk adds a different layer of intimidation with his blue line presence and elite edges and high offensive IQ and MVP caliber defense. Johnson adds skill, speed, toughness, and gritty offensive play. He complements the duo pick of Milan and Shinkaruk perfectly, getting into dire areas, fighting for loose pucks, and rounds out the corners. Finally, Pow rounds out the draft with a tough, physical, and intimidating presence on the ice. Giving the team immense physical presence.

For a team building its identity, this combination makes it clear they are not settling for a better than average draft.

The Flacons’ selections from the dispersal draft marks a major step for Fresno as they continue constructing their roster with championship caliber players, elite offensive talent, and MVP level defense, a perfect team returning to the Central Valley after over a decade away from the ice. With these picks, the Falcons have taken another significant step toward building a team that Fresno Fans can not only be excited about but building a team that must see hockey

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