Valley Monsters First Game | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Fresno, CA It's been about 9 months since Valley hockey fans have seen any action on this ice. That all changed Saturday night.

"Would you please welcome your Fresno Monsters?"

The Fresno Monsters, an amateur junior hockey team, are starting where the Falcons left off. "I think it's great. I think we're gonna keep hockey here. I hope it stays here and I hope they bring the falcons back one day."

Michael Brink is a former Falcons fan.

The minor-league hockey team folded in December of last year because of financial problems, leaving the city with an unpaid lease on Selland Arena.

"Very stressful because they were up, they were gone and we did not really have a chance to have any recourse. Now with the monsters coming, we're looking for a fresh start. The past is the past. We're moving forward."

"I've been ensured that it's great hockey and I'm very excited."

Aside from dedicated hockey fans, Downtown businesses are also excited, hoping the Monsters will bring more people and business ventures to the area.

"It's like everything else, you get a little bit down for a moment, but we pick ourselves up and keep on going so there is a lot of optimism and a lot of hope for the downtown area."