THE FRESNO FALCONS SIGN DEFENSEMAN GAVIN MEARS

Bakersfield native adds size, reach and California roots to Fresno’s blue line

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Falcons have signed defenseman Gavin Mears for the upcoming season.

Mears, a 6’5”, 209-pound right-shot defenseman from Bakersfield, California, joins the Falcons after spending the 2025–26 season with the Grand Junction River Hawks of the National Collegiate Development Conference.

The 21-year-old brings a strong physical profile to Fresno’s defensive group, giving the Falcons added size, reach and presence on the back end. During his time with Grand Junction, Mears continued to develop as a steady blue-line option while contributing offensively and playing a hard, competitive game.

Mears recorded 11 points with three goals and eight assists during the 2025–26 campaign with Grand Junction, while also adding 56 penalty minutes. His combination of size, right-shot ability and junior experience gives Fresno another young defenseman with tools to grow into the professional game.

A California product, Mears developed through the Bakersfield Jr. Condors youth program before continuing his path through junior hockey. His signing brings another Central Valley connection to the Falcons as the organization continues building toward its first season back on the ice.

The Falcons will continue to announce player signings and roster additions leading into the upcoming season.