Fresno Falcons Sign Forward Khristian Acosta

FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Falcons have added another experienced piece to their forward group, signing forward Khristian Acosta for the 2026-27 season.

Acosta comes to Fresno after spending the 2025-26 season between the Southern Professional Hockey League and ECHL, giving the Falcons another proven professional forward with experience playing at multiple levels of the game.

The 28-year-old Port Monmouth, New Jersey native stands 5-foot-9, weighs 170 pounds and shoots right. While Acosta may not be the biggest player on the ice, his career has been defined by his ability to compete, create offense and play with an edge.

Acosta opened last season with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the SPHL, where he appeared in 35 games and recorded five goals and seven assists for 12 points while accumulating 95 penalty minutes. His play earned him an opportunity at the next level when he was called up and signed by the Worcester Railers of the ECHL in January.

Acosta made an immediate impact in Worcester. In 16 ECHL games, he recorded three goals and two assists for five points while finishing with a plus-three rating. His time with the Railers added valuable ECHL experience to a résumé that already included a strong start to his professional career.

Acosta broke into the professional ranks during the 2024-25 season with the Fayetteville Marksmen of the SPHL. During his rookie campaign, he appeared in 49 games and registered six goals and 16 assists for 22 points. He also accumulated more than 90 penalty minutes, establishing himself as a player capable of contributing offensively while bringing a physical and competitive element to the lineup.

Before turning professional, Acosta put together an extensive collegiate career that included experience at both the NCAA Division I and Division III levels. He began his college career at Mercyhurst University, competing at the NCAA Division I level. Acosta appeared in 33 games for the Lakers over two seasons, recording four goals and five assists while also collecting 72 penalty minutes.

He later transferred to Utica University, where his offensive production took another step forward. Across three seasons with Utica, Acosta totaled 17 goals and 37 assists for 54 points in 83 games. He became part of one of the country's strongest NCAA Division III programs while developing into a consistent offensive contributor.Acosta also brings an impressive junior hockey background to Fresno.

During the 2016-17 season, he joined the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights of the North American Hockey League and quickly emerged as one of the club's top offensive threats. Acosta produced 35 points on 12 goals and 23 assists in just 34 games, averaging more than a point per game after joining the Knights.That success helped Acosta earn a commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey at Mercyhurst.

His junior career also included time in the United States Hockey League, where he played for the Sioux Falls Stampede and Bloomington Thunder. Between his time in the NAHL and USHL, Acosta competed against some of the top junior talent in the United States before beginning his collegiate career.

Now, Acosta brings that experience to the Central Valley. With professional experience in both the SPHL and ECHL, along with a background that includes NCAA Division I hockey, Acosta adds another veteran presence to Fresno's forward group. His combination of speed, offensive ability, physicality and willingness to compete in difficult areas gives the Falcons another versatile option as the organization continues building its roster for its return to Selland Arena.

Acosta joins a Fresno team preparing for its inaugural FPHL season and the return of professional hockey to the Central Valley.

The Falcons open their home schedule on Friday, October 9, when Fresno welcomes the Oceanside Shock to Selland Arena.

Welcome to Fresno, Khristian.