Former NHL standout introduced as Fresno Falcons’ first head coach in 17 years
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- Fresno Falcons hired Iain Duncan as head coach to lead the franchise’s return.
- Duncan cited the organization’s commitment to player welfare as his reason.
- Duncan emphasized a hard‑working, physical and defensively locked‑down team.
The Fresno Falcons have welcomed their first head coach in more than 17 years, bringing in a hockey veteran with NHL experience to lead the franchise’s return.
That coach is Iain Duncan, who played in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets after being selected in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.
For Duncan, taking the Fresno job came down to one simple reason: the organization’s commitment to its players.
“It was an opportunity to come in with an organization where I know the upper management takes care of their players,” Duncan said. “That’s one thing in the minor leagues. You’re not making NHL paychecks, so you have to take care of players in other ways — the hotels they stay in, the food they eat and making the rink a comfortable place for them to come and work.”
Duncan said he is excited to help bring professional hockey back to Fresno after a lengthy absence.
“Fresno hasn’t had hockey in a long time,” he said. “I’m excited to bring back some championships to Fresno and bring pro hockey back to Fresno.”
During the 1987-88 NHL season, Duncan recorded 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points in 62 games and earned a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
After his NHL career, Duncan spent eight seasons playing in the minor leagues before transitioning into coaching. He later coached in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, the same league the Falcons will compete in during their inaugural season.
Q&A with Iain Duncan
Q: What excites you most about coaching in Fresno?
Duncan: “I’m excited in general to bring pro hockey back to Fresno and hopefully bring a championship or two. The support from the organization has been tremendous. Having Luke Curtain on board is huge. We had dinner together and some great conversations. He was a great hockey player, and we’re going to be a great asset to the people of Fresno.”
Q: Does the city’s hockey history and passionate fan base motivate you?
Duncan: “100%. I’ve played in sold-out arenas, in Chicago Stadium and in Stanley Cup playoff games against the Edmonton Oilers. I’ve been told how loud Fresno can get.”
Q: What type of team do you want the Falcons to be?
Duncan: “The biggest thing I stress is hard work. Everybody fails in hockey and in pro sports, but it’s how you respond. Are you going to quit, or are you going to work harder?
“We’re going to have a team that doesn’t stop working. We’re going to be physical, but we’re also going to be talented. We want to be able to play any style of game. If it’s a high-skill game, we can play that, too..
“I’m a big believer in taking care of your own zone first. I’d rather win 3-2 or 2-1 than win 9-8. We’re going to be locked down defensively, and teams are going to have a hard time penetrating our forces in the defensive zone., and if they do penetrate it they’re going to get hit. It’s going to be a physical game.”
Q: How do you feel about the roster assembled through the expansion?
Duncan: “I’m very pleased. My son plays in this league, and when he saw the results of the expansion and dispersal draft, he texted me and said, ‘Dad, you’ve got a pretty good team already.’ I threw back the heart emoji and said ‘keep your head up and we’ll see you in the finals.’
Q: What can fans expect when they come to Falcons games?
Duncan: “They’re going to see a team that works hard every night. They’re going to see a physical team, a talented team and a team that’s committed to playing the game the right way. It’s going to be a good time when you come down here and watch a game.”
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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 6:23 PM.
