Recap of Fresno Monsters vs. Ventura Vikings 2026 USPHL Premier Playoffs (Round One)
- Lyanna Yeow
- Mar 9
- 5 min read
The Ventura Vikings traveled to the Gateway Ice Center where they faced the Fresno Monsters in the 2026 Premier Playoffs. This series started on Friday, March 6, 2026 and ended after their game on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Read about the impressive performance by the Fresno Monsters and the stats of both teams during this series.
The back and forth goal scoring battle in Game 1 of this series was kicked off by Vikings’ #51 Joe Lawrence who scored a power play goal midway through the period (1-0). It took less than two minutes for the Monsters to respond and tie the game, 1-1, with a game-tying goal scored by #25 Filipp Papshev. Although the Vikings were able to momentarily regain their one-goal lead with a goal scored by #38 Riley Richards (2-1), their lead remained short-lived as Monsters’ #22 Keanu Mcclanahan made it a tied game going into the second period of regulation (2-2). After another series of answering back to one another, the second period also ended with a tied standstill, 4-4, with two Monsters goals scored by #15 Adrian Gomez (2G) and two Vikings goals scored by #10 Nicholas Mardani (1G) and #6 Ethan Yang (1G). Although the Vikings made a commendable last push during the last period of regulation, their efforts unfortunately fell short as the Monsters secured a 6-4 win with two goals secured before the end of the period. These two Monsters goals that closed out Game 1 were both recorded by #96 William Lindgren who scored one regular and one power play goal. In regards to goaltending, #31 Noah Hammarstrom secured his first 2026 Premier Playoff win after he saved 22 out of 26 shots on goal while Vikings’ #28 Alexander Wendt saved a total of 37 out of 42 shots on goal by the end of this game. Both teams found some success with their special teams during this matchup, however, the Vikings had a slight advantage as they ended with a 20.0% power play success rate (1/5 PP) and an 83.3% penalty kill success rate (5/6 PK). The Monsters’ special teams ended with a 16.7% power play success rate (1/6 PP) and an 80.0% penalty kill success rate (4/5 PK). When looking at winning/losing streaks, the Fresno Monsters found themselves with a one-game winning streak after their early successes in Game 1 of this series. On the other hand, the Ventura Vikings started their one-game losing streak and were faced with the possibility of an early exit in the 2026 Premier Playoffs.
The Monsters’ momentum continued into Game 2 of this series which helped them to open the first period with a power play goal scored by #21 Brian Erte (1-0). This one-goal lead quickly turned into a two-goal lead when #71 Nils Tunbratt opened up the second period (2-0). The Vikings were able to cut their deficits down to one goal when #6 Yang put up another point for the Vikings about four minutes and forty-five seconds after the Monsters’ goal was scored (2-1). Despite having some great scoring chances throughout the remainder of the second and third period, the Vikings remained scoreless while the Monsters closed out this series, 5-1, with three unanswered goals scored before the end of regulation. The three Monsters goals that closed out this game were scored by the following players: #15 Gomez (1G), #13 Jonathan Andersen (1PPG), and #25 Papshev (1G). In regards to goaltending, #31 Noah Hammarstrom secured his second win in the 2026 Premier Playoffs after he saved a total of 22 out of 23 shots on goal by the end of this game. This Vikings’ loss does not take away from #28 Alexander Wendt’s in net performance as he saved a total of 41 out of 46 shots on goal before the end of regulation. When looking at the stats from this Game 2 matchup, the Monster ended with a 40% power play success rate (2/5 PP) and a 100% penalty kill success rate (6/6 PK). The Vikings ended with a 0% power play success rate (0/6 PP) and a 60% penalty kill success rate (3/5 PK). After this series, the Fresno Monsters found themselves advancing into the second round of the 2026 Premier Playoffs after sweeping the Ventura Vikings 2-0.
Points Leaders and Goaltending Stats
Fresno Monsters
Ventura Vikings
Points leader: #6 Ethan Yang (2G, 1A) ended this series with 3 points recorded
Goals leader: #6 Ethan Yang led the team with 2 goals recorded
Assists leaders: #2 Josh Halliday, #6 Ethan Yang, #13 Victor Langemar Persson, #16 Griffin Gagnon, #47 Reese Tittle, and #53 Calvin Ruggiero led the team with 1 assist recorded
Goaltending: #28 Alexander Wendt saved a total of 78 out of 88 shots on goal
Overall Stats
The Monsters outscored the Vikings (11G vs. 5G)
The Monsters outshot the Vikings (89 SOG vs. 49 SOG)
The Monsters had a higher power play success rate (27.3% vs. 9.09%)
The Monsters had a higher penalty kill success rate (90.9% vs. 72.7%)
Both teams spent 26 minutes in the penalty box
SUMMARY: The Monsters’ overall ability to maintain puck possession, capitalize on their scoring chances, and overall successes with their special teams ultimately helped them to secure this win.
After a phenomenal run, the Fresno Monsters are scheduled to face the Ontario Jr. Reign for the third time in a row during the second round of the 2026 Premier Playoffs. This upcoming battle does not take away from the Ventura Vikings’ hard-fought performance during the regular season and playoffs. Looking ahead, we can expect another intense matchup ahead as the Fresno Monsters are determined to be named the Pacific Division Champions for the second year in a row while the Ontario Jr. Reign are eager to redeem themselves.
Below are the next scheduled USPHL match-ups and where to watch them:
Friday, March 13, 2026
The Ontario Jr. Reign will face the Fresno Monsters on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM PST. This game will take place at the Gateway Ice Center
Watch on Black Bear TV
Saturday, March 14, 2026
The Ontario Jr. Reign will face the Fresno Monsters on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST. This game will take place at the Gateway Ice Center
Watch on Black Bear TV
Sunday, March 15, 2026
The Ontario Jr. Reign will face the Fresno Monsters on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST. This game will take place at the Gateway Ice Center
Watch on Black Bear TV
Stay tuned for the next weekly recap of the USPHL 2026 Premier Playoffs!
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