Force Host Sioux Falls in Home Opener
October 8, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Fargo Force News Release
FARGO, N.D. – The Fargo Force drop the puck at home for the first time in the 2022-23 season tonight Saturday, October 8 at 6:05 PM CT.
Tonight, the Force take on the Sioux Falls Stampede for the first time in the regular season. The two teams last faced off on September 17th when the Force took home a 5-1 win. FGO goal scorers in that matchup included Dakota MacIntosh, Anthony Menghini(x2), German Yavash and JP Turner.
The Force are 2-1 with three games under their belt so far. They kicked off the season at the USHL Fall Classic in Pittsburgh PA, dropping their first game in a back & forth battle against the Chicago Steel. The following night they put up a huge 8-1 win over the Madison Capitols and last weekend made the trip to Green Bay defeating the Gamblers by a score of 4-1.
Moorhead native Harper Bentz and Force Captain Kyle Smolen currently lead the Force in scoring with 1 goal and 3 assists each. Fargo has a strong crew of returners this season including 2021-22 Ace Brandt MVP, Bret Link, Rookie of the Year, Cole Knuble and Defenseman of the Year Joe Palodichuk. Rounding out the strong crew of returners are JP Turner, German Yavash, Jakob Stender, Tanner Walos, Dakota MacIntosh and goaltenders Matej Marinov and Anton Castro.
The Force newcomers have played key roles in the Force’s success this season as well. Some newcomers to watch include forwards Anthony Menghini and Mac Swanson as well as defensemen Leo Gruba and Jacob Napier.
Like Fargo, the Stampede are also 2-1 heading into tonight’s game, dropping their first game to the Muskegon Lumberjacks 7-4 followed by an 8-0 win over Cedar Rapids and a 3-2 win over the Lincoln Stars.
Samuel Harris (5G-1A) and Maddox Flemming (1G-5A) have been key players for the Stampede, leading their team in goals and assists respectively. Harris registered a 5-point weekend at the Fall Classic, including a hattrick vs. the Roughriders, earning the title of USHL Forward of the Week for week 1 of the 2022-23 season.
A large number of changes within the organization have fans and players excited for the brand-new season.
In the front office, former NHL player and 3-time Stanley Cup Champion Matt Cullen has joined the Force as a minority owner of the organization and is working closely with the team on both staff and player development.
The Force also have a new Head Coach and Associate Head Coach behind the bench for the 2022-23 season. Force Alumni, Nick Oliver and Chad Demers return to their alma mater to coach together for the first time. Tonight’s game will be the first time the pair are on the bench together for a Force game since they played here on the same team back 2010.
Scheel’s Arena has made some exciting new changes around the arena including a rock-climbing wall, selfie walls around the concourse, a new bar located in the lobby and more!
There are less than 200 tickets available to purchase for tonights game, click the link to buy yours now! https://www.ticketmaster.com/fargo-force-vs-sioux-falls-stampede-fargo-north-dakota-10-08-2022/event/06005D08D2BF4485
• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board…
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
