The Ice Bulldogs Roar: 5 Things You Must Know About Fresno State Ice Hockey’s 2024-2025 Season
The Fresno State Ice Hockey Club, affectionately known as the Ice Bulldogs, is currently making headlines as they carve out a competitive path in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III for the 2024–2025 season. Unlike the university's NCAA Division I sports, the hockey program operates as a dynamic and growing club sport, entirely student-driven but competing at a high collegiate level, bringing a rare, fast-paced winter sport to California's Central Valley.
As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the team is fully engaged in its ACHA campaign, facing off against regional rivals and working to secure a spot in the national rankings. The program’s commitment to collegiate hockey excellence is evident through its dedicated roster, new coaching leadership, and a passionate fan base that is helping to build a strong hockey culture in Fresno.
The 2024-2025 Roster and Leadership Profile
The Fresno State Ice Hockey program is built on the dedication of its student-athletes and staff. The 2024–2025 season features a blend of returning talent and key new recruits, all striving for success within the ACHA Division III landscape. The team operates under the umbrella of the ACHA, which governs non-varsity collegiate ice hockey across the United States.
- Team Name: Fresno State University Ice Hockey Club (Ice Bulldogs / Bulldogs Hockey)
- University: California State University, Fresno (Fresno State)
- League Affiliation: American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III (MD3)
- Home Arena: Save Mart Center at Fresno State (Primary Venue)
- Head Coach (2024-2025): Harris Dolan
- Key Returning Players:
- Jonathan Soderholm (Forward) - A top scorer and offensive catalyst.
- Nilen Peoples (Defenseman) - A stalwart on the blue line.
- Landon Welch (Wing/Center) - Known for his versatility and playmaking.
- Notable Entities/Positions:
- Zach Ortiz - Goalie and Club President, a key leader in the program's operations.
- Kiano Arreguin - Defenseman and graduate athletic training student, a high-profile transfer.
- Club Status: Club Sport (Non-NCAA)
1. The New Era of Coaching: Harris Dolan's Impact
The 2024-2025 season marks a significant transition with the leadership of Head Coach Harris Dolan. Dolan's presence is expected to inject fresh strategy and discipline into the Bulldogs’ program. Coaching in the ACHA requires a unique balance of mentorship and technical instruction, as the players are full-time students managing rigorous academic schedules alongside their commitment to competitive hockey.
The transition in leadership aims to elevate the team’s performance within the highly competitive ACHA Division III. Success in this division often hinges on player development, recruitment, and the ability to maintain consistency throughout the season. Dolan follows in the footsteps of previous coaches, such as Mark Haupt, who helped establish the club's foundation and competitive spirit.
A key focus for the coaching staff this year is integrating new talent, such as defenseman Kiano Arreguin, a transfer who brings experience from other programs like East Texas Baptist. This infusion of fresh blood is essential for building a sustainable, long-term competitive program in the ACHA.
2. The ACHA Division III Grind and Key Rivalries
The Fresno State Ice Hockey Club competes in the Men's Division 3 (MD3) of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). This division is a stepping stone for many players and is characterized by intense regional rivalries and a demanding travel schedule. The team is part of the broader collegiate club hockey structure that spans across the nation.
The Ice Bulldogs often find themselves battling opponents from the West Coast Hockey Conference (WCHC) and other regional foes, including University of California-Davis (UC Davis) and Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). Games against these teams are crucial for regional standings and building momentum toward a potential ACHA National Championship bid.
The ACHA DIII season is a marathon, not a sprint, with the team needing to perform consistently from the fall through the late winter to qualify for the playoffs. The competitive nature of the ACHA ensures that every game is a test of skill, endurance, and team chemistry. The goal for the 2024-2025 campaign is to solidify their standing in the regional rankings and make a deep run in the post-season tournament.
3. Home Ice Advantage: The Save Mart Center and Fresno’s Hockey History
While the Ice Bulldogs are a club team, their affiliation with Fresno State allows them to utilize the prestigious Save Mart Center on campus, a multi-purpose arena that serves as a major hub for Fresno culture and sporting events. The Save Mart Center is an iconic venue, providing a professional-level atmosphere for the Ice Bulldogs when they host major games.
The history of ice hockey in Fresno extends beyond the collegiate club level. The city has a rich, if intermittent, tradition of professional and junior hockey. The Fresno Falcons were a well-known professional team in the ECHL, and the Fresno Monsters currently compete in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) at the nearby Selland Arena. This local hockey ecosystem provides a strong foundation of fan interest and local talent pool for the Ice Bulldogs to draw from.
The Ice Bulldogs’ presence at the Save Mart Center helps connect the club team to the university's greater athletic identity, the Fresno State Bulldogs. This connection is vital for attracting student support and raising the club's profile within the Central Valley community. The team’s efforts are a key part of maintaining and growing the unique hockey culture in a region not traditionally known for ice sports.
4. The Star Power: Key Players to Watch in 2024-2025
Success on the ice is driven by individual talent and leadership. For the 2024–2025 season, several players are expected to shoulder the offensive and defensive load for the Ice Bulldogs. These student-athletes are the backbone of the club, often balancing team management, travel logistics, and on-ice performance.
Forward Jonathan Soderholm is a critical entity on the offensive side of the puck. His ability to score and set up plays makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Paired with the versatility of Landon Welch, who can play both wing and center, the Bulldogs possess a formidable offensive core.
On defense, Nilen Peoples is a recognized leader, providing stability and physicality in the defensive zone. Meanwhile, the club's president and starting goalie, Zach Ortiz, is a testament to the dedication of the club's members. Ortiz not only stops pucks but also manages the complex operations of a competitive ACHA club sport, a dual role that highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of the team.
The performance of these key players will be instrumental in the team's ability to navigate the tough ACHA schedule and achieve their season goals. Their commitment to the program, despite its club status, demonstrates a true passion for the sport of ice hockey.
5. The Future of Bulldogs Hockey and Club Sport Growth
The existence and sustained success of the Fresno State Ice Hockey Club are a powerful indicator of the growth of non-traditional sports in California's Central Valley. As a club sport, the team relies heavily on player dues, fundraising efforts, and local sponsorship to cover costs associated with ice time, equipment, travel, and coaching. This model fosters a strong sense of community and ownership among the players.
The ultimate goal for the program remains to continually climb the ranks of ACHA Division III, consistently challenge for a spot in the WCHC regional playoffs, and eventually compete for the ACHA National Championship. The program is an essential part of the American Collegiate Hockey Association's footprint on the West Coast, helping to promote the sport in warmer climates.
The support from the university and the local community, especially fans who remember the days of the Fresno Falcons and now support the Fresno Monsters, is crucial for the club's longevity. By maintaining a competitive edge and strong club management, the Ice Bulldogs are ensuring that ice hockey remains a vibrant and exciting part of the Fresno State athletic landscape for years to come. The 2024-2025 season under Coach Harris Dolan is a vital chapter in this ongoing story of collegiate hockey dedication.
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