The Fresno State Ice Hockey Club will close out its season with a senior night matchup against the Fresno Pigeons Hockey Club on Saturday at Gateway Ice Center in Fresno.

The game is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. and will also feature Greek Night, with campus organizations competing to bring out the largest crowd.

The club, which was revived in 2023 after years of inactivity, continues to rebuild its roster and fan base in a region not traditionally known for hockey. “We’re building something that isn’t traditionally existing in the Central Valley,” said Torrance Carpenter, the team’s general manager. “We’re building a culture.”

Carpenter said the program has faced long-standing challenges, including limited access to ice time and funding. “Hockey is very expensive and especially ice with there only being one rink in the entire town,” Carpenter said. “So we pretty much have to fight for that ice, essentially.”

Despite those hurdles, the team has grown its schedule and participation. After starting with a minimal number of games in its first season back, the club planned for 12 games this year but played slightly fewer due to cancellations.

Club Raises Their Own Funds

Unlike NCAA programs, the Fresno State club operates largely on its own funding. Carpenter said the team relies on student government grants, fundraising efforts, and sponsorships, with players often contributing out of pocket. Ticket sales from games go directly back to the team.

Carpenter emphasized the team’s broader mission of accessibility and development. “These are people who truly just want to play hockey and go to school,” Carpenter said. The club also welcomes new players with little experience, adding “students are coming up to us at club dates and saying, ‘I want to play hockey.’ ”

Practices are held late at night due to limited rink availability, often beginning as late as 11 p.m.

Looking ahead, Carpenter said the long-term vision is to grow the program into a more established presence on the West Coast, pointing to other schools that have successfully transitioned from club teams to NCAA programs.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are free for Fresno State students, with discounted prices available for seniors, veterans and children. Discounted tickets must be purchased at the door.

Click here to learn more about tickets.

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