Fresno Monsters vs. Henderson Force Premier Playoffs 2025
- Lyanna Yeow
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
After finishing 4th in the Pacific Division Standings, Henderson Force traveled to Gateway Ice Center and faced the Fresno Monsters (1st place) in round 1 of the 2025 Premier Playoffs. Henderson Force faced an uphill battle against the Fresno Monsters and their efforts will not go unnoticed despite their losses. The Fresno Monsters’ dominant performance helped them sweep the Force in two out of the three scheduled games. Read more about what went down during this series.
Thursday, March 06, 2025
Game 1 | Fresno Monsters 4, Henderson Force 2
Henderson Force opened up the 2025 Premier Playoffs with a goal scored by Shane Dean, assisted by Wyatt Baren, one minute and forty-four seconds into the first period. Despite both teams receiving interference penalties, the period ended with the Henderson Force having a 1-0 lead. The Fresno Monsters regrouped and dominated the second period with three unanswered goals which were scored by Konstantin Los, Jonathan Heidenberg Andersen, and Emil Hagg (3-1). Reese Hicks made it a one-goal game for Henderson Force with a goal scored early in the third period (3-2). Henderson Force’s final push to tie the game and force overtime after Nicholas Perry’s saved 41 out of 44 shots on goal before getting off the ice with one minute and eighteen seconds left in the third period was commendable. However the Fresno Monsters were able to remain strong as Simon Eriksson was able to capitalize and score the empty net game winning goal with five seconds left in the period. The Fresno Monsters were able to secure their 4-2 win after ending the game with 45 shots on goal and goaltender, Brooks Barofsky, saving 22 out of 24 shots on goal. After a thrilling game, the Fresno Monsters entered Game 2 with momentum while Henderson Force entered with vengeance.
Friday, March 07, 2025
Game 2 | Fresno Monsters 5, Henderson Force 1
Fresno Monsters’ Oliver Melnychuk continued the goal scoring momentum from Game 1 and scored one unanswered goal early in the first period (1-0). Filipp Papshev extended the Monsters' lead as he opened up the second period with a goal that was assisted by Alex McIsaac and Connor Perdue (2-0). Henderson Force’s Reese Hicks was able to put the team on the board and momentarily made it a one-goal game midway through the second period (2-1). With fifty-six seconds left in the second period, Fresno Monsters’ Simon Eriksson was able to capitalize on a power play goal and regain their two-goal lead going into the third period (3-1). The Fresno Monsters completely dominated the third period and secured their 5-1 win after Filipp Papshev and Matteo Ferreira-Tavares scored an unanswered goal. Jacob Brumm was in net for Henderson Force and made a commendable effort during this game by being able to save 50 out of 55 shots on goal. Fresno Monsters’ Brooks Barofsky was able to help the team secure their win and advance to the next round of the playoffs after saving 24 out of 25 shots on goal by the end of this game.
After a two-game battle, the Fresno Monsters swept Henderson Force and advanced to the next round of the playoffs. This tough loss does not take away from Henderson Force’s persistence and determination during the regular season as well as their commendable efforts during their playoff run. This sweep does instill even more confidence and fuel for the Fresno Monsters as they face the Ontario Jr. Reign once again for a second year in a row.
Below are the scheduled dates for the second round of the 2025 Premier Playoffs.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
The Ontario Jr. Reign will face the Fresno Monsters on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7:45 PM. This game will be located at Gateway Ice Center.
Friday, March 14, 2025
The Ontario Jr. Reign will face the Fresno Monsters on Friday, March 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM PST. This game will be located at Gateway Ice Center.
Saturday, March 15, 2025 (If necessary)
The Ontario Jr. Reign will face the Fresno Monsters on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM PST. This game will be located at Gateway Ice Center.
Come back to read about the matchup between the Fresno Monsters and Ontario Jr. Reign went down and how the winning team advanced to the 2025 Premier Finals!
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