FRESNO FALCONS SIGN FORWARD SKATE SKALDE FOR 2026–27 SEASON

Hard-nosed forward led Columbus with 162 penalty minutes during the 2025–26 campaign

FRESNO, Calif. — The Fresno Falcons have signed forward Skate Skalde for the 2026–27 season.

Skalde was originally acquired by Fresno from the Columbus River Dragons as part of the six-player trade that brought Skalde, Yaroslav Yevdokimov, Colin Ratt and Brandon Walker to the Falcons. The 23-year-old is now officially under contract as Fresno continues constructing its inaugural roster for the return of professional hockey to Selland Arena.

A native of Orlando, Florida, Skalde is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-shot forward who can play both center and wing. He arrives in Fresno with professional experience in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League and Europe’s Alps Hockey League.

Skalde established himself as one of the FPHL’s most physical and fearless competitors after joining Columbus during the second half of the 2025–26 season. In only 19 games with the River Dragons, he recorded three goals and three assists while accumulating a team-leading 162 penalty minutes.

His willingness to engage physically, protect his teammates and compete in the difficult areas of the ice quickly made him a fan favorite in Columbus. Skalde’s 162 penalty minutes also reflected the edge and intensity he brought to the River Dragons’ lineup every night.

That same mentality will allow Skalde to take on a new role in Fresno. While capable of contributing offensively, his value extends beyond the scoresheet. He pressures opposing defenders, finishes checks and refuses to allow opponents to take liberties with his teammates.

Skalde’s combination of physicality and offensive ability gives the Falcons a forward capable of changing the energy of a game. His aggressive forechecking can force turnovers and create additional opportunities, while his presence provides Fresno with another player willing to battle around the net and along the boards.

Before joining Columbus, Skalde began the 2025–26 season with the Pee Dee IceCats and also earned an opportunity with the Birmingham Bulls of the SPHL. Those stops provided him with experience in multiple systems and against different levels of professional competition before he finished the campaign with the River Dragons.

Skalde previously spent the 2024–25 season overseas with Merano HC in Italy. He produced 11 goals and five assists for 16 points in 36 games while adding 66 penalty minutes. The campaign represented the strongest offensive season of his professional career and demonstrated his ability to combine scoring production with a hard-nosed playing style.

He began his professional career during the 2023–24 season, appearing in games with the Knoxville Ice Bears and Fayetteville Marksmen of the SPHL. Before turning professional, Skalde continued his development in Slovakia with Vlci Žilina, recording nine goals and four assists in 25 games at the U20 level while also receiving an opportunity with the organization’s senior team.

Hockey has been a lifelong part of the Skalde family. Skate is the son of former NHL forward and longtime professional coach Jarrod Skalde, who was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Jarrod Skalde appeared in 115 NHL games and spent more than a decade playing in the American Hockey League.

Now, the younger Skalde will have an opportunity to create his own identity in the Central Valley.

With his professional experience, physical presence and willingness to stand up for his teammates, Skalde adds another dimension to Fresno’s forward group. His arrival strengthens the Falcons’ ability to play with skill and speed while also establishing the toughness needed to compete throughout the FPHL season.

Skalde will bring that intensity to Selland Arena when the Fresno Falcons begin their inaugural season in October.