Fresno, CA—Even though currently winning on the ice, the Fresno Falcons could not stop the losses at the box office. Therefore, a Valley ice age ends.

The semi-pro hockey team has been a winter favorite in the San Joaquin Valley for over 60 years. Fresno Falcons hockey started in the 1940s. It went quiet until the 1960s, then it really heated up the ice from there. In 1968, the Falcons battled at the brand-new Selland Arena; ironically, the team’s return to Selland in 2008 did them in.

After playing at the SaveMart Center for five years, financial pressures increased. The team and Freddie the Falcon put on a great show at the SMC, but costs soared. The Falcons hoped the return home to Selland would turn things around, but excerpts from the press release explain it.

Fresno Falcons managing General Partner Chris Cummings announced that the Fresno Falcons will cease operations effective 5 p.m., December 22, 2008.

“It is with sadness and regret that we announce the shut down of the Fresno Falcons. We have operated the Falcons since February of 2006, accumulating significant losses. These losses have been beyond our expectations. The horrific economy and the resulting decrease in revenue from season tickets, corporate sponsorships and overall attendance has created a situation this year which is not sustainable and we simply can not continue to operate. I want to thank the partners for their support, Coach Matt Thomas and the team for producing a great product, CEO John Tull and the Falcons staff, the Falcons season ticket holders, advertisers, and fans for their support these past three years. It is my hope that the ECHL and the City of Fresno will continue their dialogue in the future to possibly revive the Falcons. I wish everyone the best.” Chris Cummings