Colton Hargrove announces NCAA Committment to Western Michigan University



Colton Hargrove sending a slap shot in a recent game. Photo from the Fargo Force Staff

The Fargo Force has announced the 3rd NCAA Commitment from a DFW Based Player this season yesterday when Fargo Force Forward Colton Hargrove announced his commitment to Western Michigan University which competes in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Hargrove is in the middle of his 2nd season for the Force in the USHL as he has been a part of the top line which also includes Austin Farley (Minnesota-Duluth) & Bryn Chyzyk (North Dakota).

Hargrove is known for his hard nosed style of play where he brings a physical component and an improving scoring touch over the course of the season since he went scoreless during his first 7 games of the season. However, since the Christmas Break he has registered just over half of his 23 points in 34 total games played this season. He's also is tied for 2nd in assist for the team Willie Corin with 14 assists, in addition to his strong assist totals, he also has registered 9 goals with 67 Penalty Minutes and a Plus/Minus Rating of +3 so far this season.

When it came time for Hargrove to announce his decision, it came down to Western Michigan & Minnesota-Duluth and choose Western Michigan he had high praise for WMU Head Coach Andy Murray. "I made my decision because of the coaching staff at WMU and it's a good school. They are going to have a great team the next few years and I can't wait to play there," Said Hargrove when talking about his decision. "It felt good to get the commitment finally," Said Hargrove. "Now I can stop worrying about that and worry about playing my game."

Western Michigan has gone from being a doormat to an emerging power in the CCHA in recent years. Last year the Broncos reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996 and nearly upset the Denver Pioneers by pushing Denver to Double OT before eventually losing 3-2 which it turned out to be the only Multiple OT Game during the NCAA Tournament last season. They also were able reach the CCHA Conference Championship game for the 1st time since 1986 when they lost to the Miami (OH) University Redhawks 5-2 in the Conference Title Game as well.

The Broncos are in the midst of a very impressive season as the Broncos are in a very intense fight as the gap from the Conference Leading Miami (OH) Redhawks to 5th Place Lake Superior Lakers is just 2 points right now. And will be looking to fight it out for Home Ice Advantage in the Quarterfinals and get the best possible seeding for the CCHA Championship Weekend when it takes place March 16 & 17 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Western Michigan will be a part of the CCHA for the rest of next season and next year.

But starting in the 2013-2014 season, the Broncos will join the newly created National Collegaite Hockey Conference with fellow CCHA Member Miami (OH) University; along with a half a dozen current WCHA Members Colorado College, University of Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota & St. Cloud State. The Conference recently confirmed that the 1st season will have these 8 teams, however, they has been no word about when or if new teams will be added in the near future.

With the NCAA Commitment now out of the way for Hargrove, his next goal will be to finish the regular season strong and help the Force go deep in the playoffs. Currently, Fargo sits 4th in the Western Conference just 1 point back of 3rd Place Waterloo (42) and 3 points back of 2nd Place Lincoln (44). The battle for 2nd is huge because the top 2 seeds in the USHL Playoffs get a 1st Round Bye and earn guaranteed home ice in the USHL Division Semifinals.

Last year, the Force were able to sweep the Lincoln Stars in the best of 3 first round, but that was before the defending USHL Champion Dubuque Fighting Saints sweep ed them during the West Division Semifinals in 3 games straight. In their short history, the Force have been able to get the USHL Championship Series twice in their 3 years in the USHL History. During their inaugural season in 2008-2009 finished 3rd in the Western Conference during the regular season, then in the playoffs, the Force defeated the Omaha Lancers & Lincoln Stars on route to the Clark Cup Championship Series before losing to Indiana in 4 games.

2010 brought similar results by finishing 2nd in the Regular Season and getting back to the Clark Cup Championship by beating Sioux Falls & Omaha in the Western Conference Playoffs. Then lost in a very tough 5 game series to the Green Bay Gamblers. The 2010 playoffs were even more impressive as they went through 2 huge buzz saws of teams in the Omaha Lancers in the Western Conference Final & the Green Gamblers in the league championship series who ran away with the top seed in their conferences during the 2009-2010 regular season.

Hargrove joins Duggie Lagrone (Des Moines Buccaneers/Colorado College Commitment) & Jacob Fallon (Indiana Ice/Univ. of Vermont Commitment) as the 3rd DFW Based Player to make his NCAA Hockey Commitment this season in which are all are USHL Players. Other DFW Area Players to possibly keep an eye on include Robert Nichols (Wenatchee Wild) who's been among the NAHL's Best Goalies this year which included being named the NAHL Goalie of the Month for January just yesterday for instance. Also, The Woodlands Native Matt Tyson has had a strong season for the Alberta Junior Hockey League's (AJHL) Brooks Bandits who's been a great enforcer for the Bandits this season helping them reach the #1 Seed for the upcoming AJHL Playoffs that start later this month.

Green Bay comesback to win the USHL Clark Cup Championship

In front of a record breaking crowd to see a USHL Clark Cup Championship Game, Green Bay won the first and only game of this best-of-5 at home. It started on an even keel on both teams as the SOG were even at 10 in the first period. But it was Fargo's Garrett Allen who scored his 6th goal of the playoffs to make it 1-0 on a great solo run midway through the 1st period.

Then the start of the 2nd period saw a very fast start for the Gamblers' forwards Robert Francis and Ryan Furne to make it 2-1.

Despite going down 3-2 early in the 3rd period, then it was Playoff MVP Anders Lee started the 3 goal 3rd period that saw the Gamblers win the team's first championship in 10 years when Robert Francis scored his 2nd of the night in the final minute to make the Championship Official with just 12 seconds left.

Anders Lee was named the Playoff MVP after scoring 22 points (10G 12A) in the postseason along with a +10 for the forward who's heading to the University of Norte Dame to play college hockey in the CCHA.

From the United States Hockey League Website: http://www.ushl.com/

For the first time in this series, the home team won a game as the Green Bay Gamblers earned victory in the fifth and deciding game of this year's USHL Clark Cup Finals. The Gamblers who once trailed 2-0, won three straight over the Fargo Force to claim the 3rd Clark Cup in Team History.

The Force started the scoring when Garrett Allen fired a shot from a tough angle over the shoulder of Gamblers goaltender Steve Summerhays. It was the fourth goal of the series for Allen and for the fourth time in this series that Fargo had scored the first goal of the game.

The Gamblers came alive in the 2nd period with a barrage of shots on Force goaltender Ryan Massa. Robert Francis scored for the second straight game just 37 seconds into the 2nd period. Less then two minutes later, Ryan Furne put the Gamblers ahead when he found a loose puck in the Fargo Crease and put home his seventh of the postseason. Despite being out -shot 15-6 in the period, the Force battled back as Joe Rehkamp scored his second goal in as many games to tie the game at two goals apiece.

It was only fitting that the back-and-fourth series would come down to the final period of the final game. Matt Leitner gave the Force the lead when he scored his 10th goal of the playoffs. A few minutes later, the Gamers took advantage of a power play when Anders Lee was credited with his 10th goal of the playoffs after redirecting a point shot by defensemen Nick Jensen and once again the score was tied.

Four minutes later, Gamblers forward Sean Little picked the right time to score has first goal of the playoffs as his blast snuck by Force Goaltender Ryan Massa and put the Gamblers on top 4-3. The Force pulled the goaltender in favor of a sixth attacker in the final moments, but Robert Francis sealed the victory for Green Bay when he buried an empty netter with just 12 seconds left to play.

A huge celebration began at the final buzzer as a record crowd of 8,487 witnessed Game 5 at the Resech Center. It was the largest crowd in the history of the Gamblers org. and also the largest crowd to ever see a USHL Playoff Game.

Gamblers forward Anders Lee was named USHL Clark Cup MVP. He led the league in playoff scoring with 22 points (10G 12A) including 3 points (1G 2A) in Game 5 of the series. USHL Commissioner Skip Price then presented the Clark Cup to Gamblers Captain Patrick Mccadden and then the team circled the ice to salute the sold out crowd.

Notes: The last time the Gamblers won the Clark was ten years ago during the 1999-2000 season. The Gamblers both captured both the Anderson Cup for the best Regular Season Record and the Clark Cup as League Champions. The last USHL Team to accomplish that feat was the Omaha Lancers during the 2007-08 season. USHL Refs Boone Bruggeman and Curtis Marouelli along with linesmen Judson Ritter and Brian Olivier worked the historic game.


Southwest Player Watch

Chase Grant: Injured and out for Game 5. For the entire playoffs, he had a strong showing by scoring 14 points (9G 5A). Having a +7 rating, committed 16 penalty minutes and also had 3 Game Winning Goals.

Johnnie Searfoss: He was held off the score-sheet for this game with the exception of 2 SOG on the game. He also finished the night even and out of the penalty box. For the entire playoffs, he played in 13 games where he scored 5 points (2G 3A). Had a -1 and had 6 penalty minutes.


Post Game Reaction

Green Bay Gamblers forward Anders Lee on the Game 5 victory.

"It was a total team effort. We were down the entire series and were down again tonight, but we battled through. It just shows how much character and persversance our team has."


Lee on capping the season with a Championship.

"This was our goal since the start of the season back in September. It was a long journey and a lot of things had to go right for us, and they did, but we made our luck ourselves."


Lee on being named Playoff MVP.

"It was a reflections of my teammates. I had a great line with Reed Seckel and Ryan Furne, and I was just fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. I'm very honored to win the award.


Gamblers goaltender Steve Summerhays on winning the Clark Cup.

"This is unbelievable right here and and the feeling that I have. This is your dream when you grow up playing hockey - to win a national championship like this. This team was the greatest group of guys I have ever met in my life and I will never forget this. All season we believed in the guy sitting right next to us and we are a champion right now."


Green Bay Gamblers Head Coach Jon Cooper on winning a championship.

"I got a text from my wife after winning that triple OT Game in Game 3 and it said, "You never like to do anything ordinary." You know what, that has been the type of story of this team. Down in Game 3 with a minute to go and verge of getting swept, then we pulled a reverse sweep. I can't say enough about these kids believing in themselves and to pull this one out."


Cooper on the Fargo Force

"We are going to give a lot of credit out of this, but I have to tip my cap because you look at Fargo and what they have done in just two short years. They were a valiant opponent and they made us the team we are right now because of the competition that was on the ice the whole series. What a great, great final."


Cooper on the record crowd.

"Look at this - over 8,400 people at a junior hockey game in the USHL. That's a tribute to every org. in the league, and leadership of Commissioner Skip Price and Gino Gasparini before him of what they have turned this league into. With great org. and great coaches in the league, this is the product you get. I tell you what, it would be hard for me to understand why kids in the United States wouldn't want to play in the USHL.


Fargo Force Coach Steve Johnson on Game 5.

"This series had all kinds of twists and turns. I have been out of the league for a couple of years prior to the season, but I don't remember in all my years, a Final quite like this. It was exciting for all the players and Green Bay had a well deserved championship and our guys have nothing to hang their heads about.


Johnson on his team's playoff run.

"We are disappointed, but in all five games of the series, a bounce or two was the difference in every game. I thought we did everything we needed to do to give us a chance to win and our players responded very well. But, to Green Bay's credit, they made just one or two more plays then us to win it."


Green Bay Gamblers win the Series and the 2010 USHL Clark Cup Championship 3-2.


Game Boxscore

Fargo Force 3 Green Bay Gamblers 5 (1-0, 1-2, 1-3)

1-0 FAR: Garrett Allen (Unassisted) 10:19 1st

1-1 GBG: Robert Francis (Karlsson, Mccadden) 0:37 2nd

1-2 GBG: Ryan Furne (Lee, Makowski) 2:32 2nd

2-2 FAR: Joe Rehkamp (Burkemper) 15:49 2nd

3-2 FAR: Matt Leitner (PP) (Hrbas) 4:42 3rd

3-3 GBG: Anders Lee (PP) (Jensen, Makowski) 9:34 3rd

3-4 GBG: Sean Little (Gerths) 13:31 3rd

3-5 GBG: Robert Francis (EN) (Lee, Makowski) 19:48 3rd


Game Stats

PP: FAR 1/2 GBG 1/6

SOG: FAR 22 GBG 32

PIM: FAR 17 Minutes on 7 Penalties GBG 9 Minutes on 3 Penalties

Goalies: FAR Ryan Massa 27 SVS on 31 Shots GBG Steve Summerhays 19 SVS on 22 Shots

ATT: 8487

3rd Star: Chris Crance (GBG)

2nd Star: Anders Lee (GBG)

1st Star: Sean Little (GBG)

Chase Grant out for Clark Cup Game 5

Fargo Force Captain and Oklahoma Native Chase Grant will be out for the 5th and deciding game of the USHL Clark Cup Championship tonight in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During the 1st period of Saturday's Game 4 in Fargo when he got hit along the left wing boards that he fell awkwardly and injured his right knee.

After an MRI discovered that the right knee was bruised and it had swelled a little bit. Even though it would be a little bit painful to play on it for the 5th and deciding game tonight. Another hit like he had could do some serious damage and would mean a long off-season of rehab and recovery as Grant gets ready for his college career to get going next year at Minnesota State, which is located in Mankato which plays in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

Grant was selected unanimously as team Captain before the season started and he has delivered very well. Not only as a team leader, but on the score-sheet as well. After leading the team with 28 goals (50 PTS Overall).

During the playoffs as well, he's showing that he's becoming a force with 14 points (9G 5A) in 12 playoff games this year. His best playoff performance was getting a hat trick in Game 3 against Omaha during the West Division Final. He's also been able to show his hard work, especially along the boards and around the net on both ends to help make the difference in very close games. This should help him a lot when he arrives at Minnesota State University next season.

During the Clark Cup Championship Series, he was held pointless in the first 2 games. But he did score twice in a very close game that went into Triple Overtime where the Force lost 4-3. He also had what would have been the go ahead goal midway through the 3rd period in Game 3, that was until Green Bay Forward Anders Lee scored an extra attacker goal with just 49 seconds left in the 3rd period. So he's shown that he can score at big times during the playoffs. Green Bay later went on to win in triple OT to force a Game 4 in the Championship Series.

He also had the game winner in Game 5 against Omaha which allowed the Force to pull away in the 3rd period when Force Teammate Matt Leitner scored twice in the last 7 minutes to win 5-2 and win the West Division Title in 5 games. Leitner is also heading to Minnesota State University after his junior career is over, along with Corey Leivermann and J.P. Burkemper as well.

Will Grant's absence make a difference tonight or will the team come together to pitch in for their injured captain tonight in Green Bay? We'll find out tonight as the Clark Cup Championship will be awarded tonight.


USHL Clark Cup Championship Scores

Game 1: Fargo Force 2 Green Bay Gamblers 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1272859

Game 1 Story: www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3232


Game 2: Fargo Force 4 Green Bay Gamblers 1 (1-0, 2-1, 1-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1272860

Game 2 Story: www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3235


Game 3: Green Bay Gamblers 4 Fargo Force 3 (3OT) (0-1, 2-0, 1-2, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1272861

Game 3 Story: www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3254


Game 4: Green Bay Gamblers 5 Fargo Force 3 (4-3, 0-0, 1-0)
http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=1272862

Game 4 Story: www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3258


Championship Series Notes

One of the first big things to check out is that the road team has won every game in this series. Both teams have been strong on the road during the playoffs. Both teams are 5-1 on the road in this year's playoffs. Fargo's only road playoff loss was Game 1 against the Omaha Lancers in the Division Finals. For Green Bay they hasn't dropped a single game on the road as well.

This will be Green Bay's first Game 5 of this year's playoffs while Fargo won 5-2 in the West Division Final against Omaha.

As for the Team Leading Scorers (Matt Leitner for Fargo & Anders Lee for GB). Leitner has been on a 7 game point scoring streak which includes 6 goals since it started back on April 17 against Omaha. In fact, if it weren't for the series opener against Omaha, he would have at least a point in every game of the playoffs.

Green Bay's Anders Lee has had 5 multi point games in the playoffs. After being held scoreless for the first two games against Fargo, he's scored 4 points over the last 2 games, which includes a 3 point game back during Game 3 back on 5/7.

The Goaltending battle between Fargo's Ryan Massa and Green Bay's Steve Summerhays has been interesting. Fargo's Massa had the better of the two in the early series as he stopped 66 of 67 shots in the first two games, including a Game 1 Shutout. To counter the Game 1 Shutout, Summerhays has won 4-3 and 5-3 games.

So in a possible low scoring game, expect Massa to have advantage in that front. But if theirs a problem with Massa, his backup, Dyan Belfour has hardly had any playoff action this season. He only played in 19 games this season where he got traded from Waterloo to Fargo midway through the season.

As for Green Bay Backup Ryan Mckay, he hasn't played a single minute in the playoffs, but had a decent regular season by going 14-8-2, he came in mostly in relief roles for Summerhays this season. They hoping that he can eventually become the new starting goalie for Norte Dame University after this season ends.

So based on his regular season performance, he could come in if Summerhays has a bad night. But with the final game of the Championship Series tonight, don't expect to see him tonight with a title on the line.

You can check out these websites to find out more on tonight's Game 5.

United States Hockey League: www.ushl.com

Fargo Force: www.fargoforce.com

Green Bay Gamblers: www.gamblershockey.com

Here's a link to a bunch of stories that is on the USHL Website going into tonight.
www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3264

One of the best websites that will cover the game is the B2 Networks where they cover all sorts of hockey leagues from all over North America tonight.

B2TV: www.b2tv.com

USHL on B2 TV: www.b2tv.com/upcoming_events.asp?q=l&value=ushl

USHL Clark Cup Final Game 2: St. Clair & Allen come up Big again to give the Force a 2-0 Lead.

Colten St. Clair & Garrett Allen both came up big again with a goal each as the Force sweep the first 2 games in Green Bay with a 4-1 win over the Gamblers to go up 2-0 and be one win away from the teams first ever League Championship.

Despite getting out-shot 15-6 in the first, the Force stormed back with a late 1st period goal by Colten St. Clair with 5 minutes left in the first period to make it 1-0. then it was where the 2nd period started getting crazy as the game started to get a bit chippy.

No fights or anything like that, but the resulted in a ton of power-play time for both teams, however, neither side was able to take advantage that much until midway through the game to make it 3-1.

After going down 3-1, the Gamblers were looking to comeback and tie the series. But it was to no avail as Force goalie Ryan Massa continued to hold firm in the 3rd period. Gamblers goalie Steve Summerhays had a strong showing as well. But no one was able to crack the opposing goalie. This is where Massa took it in his own hands in the final minute as he fired to clear the puck that ended up going in to give the Force the 4-1 win to go up 2-0 in the Best-of-5 series.

This puts the Force in great shape to clinch the League Championship on Friday as the team can win the team's first ever Clark Cup Title with a single win on either Friday or Saturday Night.

Game Story from the United States Hockey League Website: http://www.ushl.com/

It was a new game but the same story as goaltender Ryan Massa stole the show by making 31 saves and even added to the scoring column by firing a shot the length of the ice into an empty net as the Fargo Force won Game two of the USHL Clark Cup Finals.

Colten St. Clair started the scoring in the first period for Fargo as he netted a goal for the 2nd straight night. Despite being out-shot 16-6 in the first period, Fargo went into the break up 1-0. Green Bay Goalie Kevin Albers gained some early momentum in the 2nd period as a shot from the point and give the Gamblers their first goal of the game.

Fargo didn't falter as they regrouped and again took the lead on the first goal of the playoffs by John Stampohar. A little more then three minutes later, Garrett Allen tallied his 4th of the playoffs, which extended his scoring streak to five games and give the Force a 2 goal lead at 3-1.

The Gamblers had their chances, but rang a couple of shots off the post and had a third period goal waived off that was directed in by a high stick over the crossbar. Fargo was solid defensively again on the road, including killing off all six power play opportunities by the Gamblers. Massa sealed the win with just a minute remaining in the contest when he accomplished the rare feat by a goaltender by scoring a goal himself.

Southwest Players Watch

Chase Grant: No Points in the Game but had 4 SOG with a +1 in the game. No Penalties in the game for him but was big blocking shots in the game, especially on the Special Teams.

Johnnie Searfoss: Searfoss had 3 SOG in the game. No PIM or points scored in the game but had a close call in the 3rd period of this one that could have put the game away for good for the Force.

Here's a link to the Game 2 Highlights from the Clark Cup Championship. www.ushl.com/news/story.cfm?id=3236


Postgame Reaction

Fargo Force Head Coach Steve Johnson on winning twice on the Road.

"We can probably say we didn't expect that, but we are happy and excited about it. We had a rough first period, but the guys responded better. We had a little luck on our side with Green Bay hitting a couple of pipes, but just like last night, we got better as the game went on.


Johnson on the play of Force Goalie Ryan Massa

"We talked about it before, but he has been really solid for us all year and he is going to have to continue because we know Friday night will be extremely tough. We expect Green bay to play as good as they can on Friday Night. We have been doing a real good job with the penalty kill and it starts with our goaltender. He has to be your best penalty killer and he has been."


Johnson on his team responding after Green Bay scored the first goal.

"That was probably the turning point of the game because we responded really well to them scoring and did a little better job in our end and got to more loose puck. It woke us up and we got our feet moving."


Fargo forward Colten St. Clair on being up 2-0 in the Series.

"It feels really good. We came in hoping to get a split because Green Bay are a great team, so two wins is just awesome."


St. Clair on his scoring touch in the Finals.

"I was kind of struggling earlier in the playoffs so it feels really good to put the puck in the net a couple of times here. Hopefully it can give some momentum and carry that into the next game."


Force Goaltender Ryan Massa on the Game 2 Victory.

"I got my fair share of bounces, but it was all the right things again tonight. We won the loose pucks, blocked shots, won faceoffs, and really paid attention to detail tonight and that is making us successful."


Massa scoring a goal

"I have always dreamed about that to be honest. I have never had that opportunity before. I wasn't aiming, I just threw it down the ice and wanted to get it out of the zone, and fortunately it went right down the middle. I didn't really conduct myself very sportsmanlike and represent what the USHL is all about after I scored. It's not what I'm about, not what the Fargo Force is all about, and made a bad choice. I apologize for that, but it does feel great to score a goal."


Fargo Defensemen Eammonn Mcdermott on winning two games in Green Bay.

"We believe in ourselves but we never expected to have that kind of success, but we will take it."


Mcdermott on the play of goaltender Ryan Massa.

"He has always been awesome and is the reason we are playing so well. He keeps us in the game to give us a chance. He has half the amount of goals that I do this year (Then Laughs).


Mcdermott on the Force going 6/6 on the Penalty Kill

"Everyone was sacrificing, blocking shots, and getting pucks out of the zone. Everyone was doing what it takes. Green Bay didn't get many seconds chances, which is nice."


Green Bay Gamblers Head Coach on what he expects for Game 3.

"I expect us to come out on Friday Night ready to play. I am glad their is a week break. We can brush off the bad hockey karma we had going for us in this series."


Cooper on goals that were disallowed

"I think the officials made the right calls. You get those type of calls maybe once a month, and to get 3 in one night is just the way things have gone for us in this series."


Cooper on his team's chances to overcome a two game deficit in this series.

"We won 45 games during the regular season and we have won 6 games in the playoffs, which is more wins then a lot of teams have in one season in this league in the 30 years it has been around. If there is any team that can do it, it's the one in our locker room. Whatever you do, don't count them out."


Fargo Force Lead Series 2-0. Game 3 is on Friday Night in Fargo, North Dakota.


Game Boxscore

Fargo Force 4 Green Bay Gamblers 1 (1-0, 2-1, 1-0)

1-0 FAR: Colten St. Clair (Schmidt) 14:45 1st

1-1 GBG: Kevin Albers (Jensen, Mccadden) 0:47 2nd

2-1 FAR: John Stampohar (Rehkamp) 6:00 2nd

3-1 FAR: Garrett Allen (PP) (Leitner) 9:16 2nd

4-1 FAR: Ryan Massa (EN) (Unassisted) 19:00 3rd


Game Stats

SOG: FAR 31 GBG 32

PP: FAR 1/3 GBG 0/6

PIM: FAR 29 Minutes on 13 Penalties GBG 23 Minutes on 10 Penalties

Goalies: FAR Ryan Massa 31 SVS on 32 Shots GBG Steve Summerhays 27 SVS on 30 Shots

ATT: 4022

3rd Star: Nick Jensen (GBG)

2nd Star: Kevin Albers (GBG)

1st Star: Ryan Massa (FAR)

USHL Clark Cup Final Game 1: 2nd Period Goals by Allen & St. Clair give Force the Shutout Win

A great 35 save performance which gave the Force their first shutout of the playoffs along with 2nd period goals by Garrett Allen & Colten St. Clair gave the Force a 2-0 win and taking the opener on the road in Green Bay Wisconsin as the Force will look to upset the top seeded Gamblers for the USHL Clark Cup Championship this season. Last Season, the Force won Game 1 against the Indiana Ice before losing the next 3 and losing the Final in 4 Games. Force fans are hoping that doesn't happen to them again.

Despite the loss against the Force, Green Bay Goalie Steve Summerhays were able to keep the Gamblers in the Game for good chunks for good parts of it and the defense limiting the Force's shots at time to just 23. But Green Bay powerful offense which has the likes of Anders Lee, Ryan Furne and William Kessel couldn't find an answer after Force goals in just over a minute made the difference in Game 1.

Game 2 will be taking place on Saturday Night in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

From the United States Hockey League Website: www.ushl.com

From Green Bay, Wisconsin: Goaltender Ryan Massa stopped all 35 shots he faced, including 19 in the 2nd period to post the 2-0 shutout as Fargo struck first in the Clark Cup Finals gaining a key victory in Game 1.

The first period was a goaltending duel as Massa and the Gamblers netminder Steve Summerhays turned away everything that came their way and the teams entered the dressing room after 20 minutes in a scoreless tie.

Both goalies shinned in the 2nd period as well, but Fargo finally solved Steve Summerhays as Garrett Allen jammed home a rebound to give the Force a 1-0 lead. The third goals of the playoffs for Allen also provided to be his 3rd game winner of the post-season. Just over a minute later, the Force kept the momentum going on Fargo's side by scoring his first goal of the playoffs and making it a 2-0 advantage.

Green Bay wasn't able to generate much in the 3rd as the Fargo defense clamped down and allowed just 3 shots on goal and finished off the win in the first game of the best-of-5 series.

The teams meet again in less then 24 hours at the Resech Center in Green Bay.

Southwest Player Watch

Chase Grant: Even though Grant had no points. He was busy he was blocking some shots in the Game and had some great chances as well. He had 4 SOG with a +1, he also stayed out of the penalty box last night.

Johnnie Searfoss: He was also very busy, even though initially he wasn't credited with an assist, he was later on after further review and had just his 3rd point of the playoffs. He also had a +1 with NO SOG and had a minor penalty for interference late in the game.

Postgame Reaction.

Fargo Force Captain Chase Grant on Winning Game 1.

"That was huge. We wanted to get the first game of the series and we got out there and got it tonight.


Grant on Force Goaltender Ryan Massa

"He was unbelievable. He single-handily won the game for us."


Grant on hanging on despite getting out-chased early on.

"That has kind of been our playoff run so far. Teams might get more chances then us in a period, but have been able to get a few bounces our way, keep the puck out of our net, and hang around with the other team."


Fargo Force Head Coach Steve Johnson on the win.

"We got a bounce or two tonight, but we'll take it. I Thought we got better as the game went on. In the 3rd period we took care of the puck better and weren't as sloppy in our zone. But they (Green Bay) are a tough team to play against because they have big bodies in the offensive zone, they protect the puck, and they support it. It makes all five guys in the defensive zone really accountable. We know we will get Green Bay's best game tomorrow night."


Johnson on goaltender Ryan Massa

"Ryan has been really consistent and solid all year. He is a guy that makes it look easy at because he is in good position and controls the rebounds."


Fargo Force Goaltender Ryan Massa getting the Win.

"They (Green Bay) are a great team, - a complete team from the crease out and it was really our job to come out in and keep playing the way we have been playing and do all the little details. Win more faceoffs, block shots, stay disciplined and work hard. We were successful tonight because we did those things."

Massa on getting the shutout.

"My defense blocked a lot of shots in front of me tonight and deserve a lot of credit. A shutout isn't just a goaltenders great game. The forwards did their job backchecking, the defensemen did their job blocking shots, getting the puck out and clearing rebounds. My responsibility is to keep the team in it and if there is a zero on the scoreboard at the end of the night, that's great, but we really just wanted to come in here and get a win. We will enjoy it for about 10 minutes or so and then we are all business for tomorrow night."



Fargo Force Lead Series 1-0, Game 2 is on Saturday Night.

Game Boxscore

Fargo Force 2 Green Bay Gamblers 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

1-0 FAR: Garrett Allen (Leitner) 14:13 2nd

2-0 FAR: Colten St. Clair (Searfoss) 15:20 2nd


Game Stats

SOG: FAR 23 GBG 35

PP: FAR 0/3 GBG 0/4

PIM: FAR 21 Minutes on 9 Penalties GBG 19 Minutes on 8 Penalties

Goalies: FAR Ryan Massa 35 SVS on 35 Shots GBG 21 SVS on 23 Shots

ATT: 3466

3rd Star: Colten St. Clair (FAR)

2nd Star: Garrett Allen (FAR)

1st Star: Ryan Massa (FAR)

Article on OKC Native Chase Grant as the Fargo Force get ready for USHL Clark Cup Final

Here's an interesting article from the In Forum Newspaper which is in Fargo takes a look at Oklahoma City Native Chase Grant as he has become one of the team's most popular players from the fans and within the org. It takes a look at rise in the sport coming out of the Sooner State.

From Kerry Collins of the Fargo In Forum Newspaper: www.inforum.com

Many years ago, a Canada Native in the United States got stationed in Oklahoma.

The twist of fate introduced Chase Grant to Hockey, and produced one of the most popular players in the two year history of the Fargo Force junior Hockey Team that will play in the USHL Clark Cup Championship Series starting Friday Night.

The Air Force Hockey enthusiast was a neighbor of the Grant Family.

"He got my brother and me involved in hockey, and we are all," Grand said. And i'm not big enough to play football."

The 5'11", 175 pound forward from Oklahoma City has become a fan favorite because of his tireless work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work in the corners and in front of the net.

"He works so hard, and he does the things that a lot of players don't want to do," Force coach Steve Johnson said. "He shows what happens when your always working hard."

"It's not always about skill all the time. He makes things happen."

Grant scored just 28 points last season, but committed to Minnesota State Mankato last summer. He said it took some pressure off going into the season, but it didn't lower his goals.

"It definitely helped having that out of the way so I could just worry about getting better," Grant Said.

Heading into his 2nd season with Fargo, Grant said that he wanted to be the captain. His teammates agreed - voting him unanimously to wear the "C" on his jersey.

"There are guys that want that, and Chase is definitely one of them," Johnson said. The Guys really, really look up to him, and that comes from his consistency."

"He's always on an even keel, and everybody respects that."

Grant also has the knack of citing his teammates for creating the bulk of the scoring chances on the ice. He's been on a line with Matt Leitner - who is also headed to Mankato - for the better part of two seasons. Grant said his familiarity with Leitner and nearly tripling of his goals from last year is no coincidence.

"My job is to get him the puck and get to the net, because he is going to find you," Grant said. "And you better be ready. Even if it looks impossible, he'll find a way to get you the puck.

"Now i'm always ready, and that's made me a better player."

Grant usually dosen't need any extra motivation, but he got some after Game 2 of the West Division Final against Omaha. At the end of Fargo's 4-2 victory, teammate and friend Corey Leivermann was sent to the hospital after a nasty check from Omaha's C.J. Ludwig in the closing minutes.

Grant punished the Lancers with his play in the next game, scoring the first hat trick in the Force's playoff history to lead the Force to a 4-3 win. Fargo went on to win the series in 5 games.

"Here was a guy that I played with for 2 years, and i'm close friends with. It was like a family member was down on the ice," Grant said. "You're worried about his health, but after we found he was ok, that just focused us on the rest of the series.

"It worked out that way, and sometimes it's nice for people to get what they deserve."

Johnson said getting back to the Clark Cup Final for the second year in a row was especially important for Grant - not only because he's the captain of this group, but because of how much of the group means to the captain.

"This is important to him, and this is what he's got all those guys working for," Johnson said. "They respect him, but they believe in him, too."

"He was our leading goal-scorer this season, and in the playoffs. Hopefully he's the leading goal-scorer in the Finals."

USHL Clark Cup Championship Schedule & Preview

The United States Hockey league announced this morning the Clark Cup Championship Series as the East Division & Top Overall Seed Green Bay Gamblers will be taking on the 2nd seeded Fargo Force who are back in the Clark Cup for the 2nd straight year.

Fargo will be looking for redemption as the Force got to this point before losing to Indiana last year, they won the opening game before losing the next 3 and ultimately the Clark Cup Championship to the Indiana Ice. This Year's Championship Series will be getting underway on April 30th at the Green Bay Resech Center.

After earning home ice advantage in this year's playoffs with a league high 95 points in the standings. The Gamblers took down the Waterloo Blackhawks & Indiana Ice as they have sweeped through the playoffs with the expectation of Game 1 against Indiana in the East Division Final.

Fargo got back to the Championship Series after sweeping the Sioux Falls Stampede and one of the most exciting matchups in this year's playoffs as the Division Final against Omaha went the distance.

The Series will get underway on April 30 & May 1 which will be in Green Bay. Then Games 3 through 5 would be taking place from May 7 through 12 as we are going to crown this year's USHL Clark Cup Championship. Games 3 & 4 would be in Fargo on May 7 & 8 before a possible 5th and championship decider would be on May 12.

#1E Green Bay Gamblers VS. #2W Fargo Force

Green Bay Gamblers Road to the Clark Cup

Regular Season Record: 45-10-5 95 PTS, 212 GF 140 GA, Finished 1st Overall

DIV. Semifinals VS. Waterloo: Game 1 2-1 W, Game 2 5-1 W, Game 3 5-2 W

DIV. Finals VS. Indiana: Game 1 1-2 L, Game 2 9-4 W, Game 3 4-2 W, Game 4 4-2 W


Green Bay Gamblers Scoring Leaders
Anders Lee 7 GP 15 PTS (7G 8A, +10)
Ryan Furne 7 GP 10 PTS (5G 5A, +7)
Reed Seckel 7 GP 10 PTS (4G 6A, +7)

Green Bay Gamblers Goaltending
Steve Summerhays 7 GP 6-2 2.01 GAA .922 SV%

Green Bay Gamblers Full Stats: http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/teamplayerstats.html?teamid=3134&seasonid=5158


Fargo Force Road to the Clark Cup

Regular Season Record: 37-17-6 80 PTS, 227 GF 214 GA, Finished 2nd in the West

DIV. Semifinals VS. Sioux Falls: Game 1 5-1 W, Game 2 7-6 W, Game 3 3-1 W

DIV. Finals VS. Omaha: Game 1 0-2 L, Game 2 4-2 W, Game 3 3-4 L, Game 4 6-2 W, Game 5 5-2 W

Fargo Force Scoring Leaders
Chase Grant 8 GP 12 PTS (7G 5A, +5)
Matt Leitner 7 GP 11 PTS (8G 3A, +6)
Corey Leivermann 5 GP 6 PTS (4G 2A, E)

Fargo Force Southwest Players
Johnnie Searfoss 8 GP 2 PTS (1G 1A, -2)

Fargo Force Goaltending
Ryan Massa 8 GP 6-2 2.53 GAA .913SV%
Dyan Belfour 3 GP 0-0 7.30 GAA .786 SV%


Full Fargo Force Stats: http://ushl.stats.pointstreak.com/teamplayerstats.html?teamid=140440&seasonid=5158


All Game Start Times are CDT


All Green Bay Gamblers Home Games are @ Green Bay Resech Center

All Fargo Force Home Games are @ Urban Plans Center


Game 1, 4/30: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 2, 5/1: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM

Game 3, 5/7: @ Fargo 7:35 PM

Game 4, 5/8: @ Fargo 7:05 PM*

Game 5, 5/12: @ Green Bay 7:05 PM*

*If Necessary


To follow the USHL Clark Cup Championship Series, Log on to the following Websites.

United States Hockey League: www.ushl.com

Green Bay Gamblers: www.gamblershockey.com

Fargo Force: www.fargoforce.com

Ryan Daugherty & C.J. Ludwig Suspended in USHL West Division Final

Both Southwest Based Players for the Omaha Lancers have been issued suspensions following an incident in the final 30 seconds of Game 2 of the USHL West Division Championship against the Fargo Force.

For Ludwig, he was involved in an attempt to Injury when he delivered a bone crushing hit to Fargo Force Player Corey Leivermann in the game that ended in a 2-0 win for the Fargo Force to tie the Best-Of-5 series at a game a piece with Games 3 & 4 in Fargo scheduled for April 21 and 22.

Ludwig got the worst as an attempt to Injury Penalty as he is out for the rest of the series and wouldn't be available to return till Game 3 of the USHL Clark Cup Championship Series if the team would reach the Title Series. Ryan Daugherty will be able to return to for Game 4 back on 4/22.

In addition to the 2 Southwest Players from Omaha, Fargo Player Matt Leitner will also be out for Game 3 of the West Division Final as well.

From the United States Hockey League Website: www.ushl.com

The United States Hockey League today announced disciplinary action as a result of incidents occurring on Saturday April, 17th in Game 2 of the West Division Final between the Omaha Lancers and Fargo Force.

Omaha Lancers defensemen C.J. Ludwig has been suspended 5 games pursuant to USA Hockey Official Rules, Rule 603 (Attempt to Injury/Deliberate injury of opponents), subsection (a), and Rule 410 (Supplementary Discipline) subsection (a). The ruling was based upon the illegal hit delivered to Fargo Force Player Corey Leivermann at 19:28 of the 3rd period, as well as the player's action subsequent to the hit.

Omaha Lancers forward Ryan Daugherty has been suspended one game pursuant to Rule 634 (Spearing), subsection (a) as a result of his hit conduct at the 18:51 mark of the 3rd period.

Fargo Force forward Matt Leitner has been suspended one game pursuant to Rule 634 (Spearing), subsection (a) as a result of the player's action following the Fargo Goal scored at the 18:51 mark of the 3rd period.

Both Teams were also issued unannounced fines.

Q & A with Fargo Force Forward Johnnie Seafoss

It's another Southwest based Q & A as we have another Fargo Force player answering questions. Recently it was Oklahoma City native Chase Grant. This time it's Johnnie Seafoss who's from the D/FW Suburb of Colleyville. So far this season for the Force, he has 21 points (11G 10A) through 29 games played this season.

Currently the Fargo Force are in 2nd place in the West Division and are looking to get back to the Clark Cup Championship after sweeping through the West Division Semifinal against the Omaha Lancers and the Division Final against the Lincoln Stars. When they arrived to the USHL Clark Cup Final, the Force won game 1 against Indiana before losing the next 3 and the league championship against the Ice.

They felt they improved throughout the season last year to get them to this point and to have a shot of defending the Division Championship and winning the Clark Cup this year. As for Seafoss himself, he has 55 career points in 89 regular season games and then in last year's Clark Cup Playoffs, he was able to score 4 points (2G 2A) in 10 playoff games last season.

In his questionnaire that I sent recently, he talks about how he stands out from a growing talent pool in the D/FW Area, Last year's Clark Cup Run and his hopes for this season. Also on why he picked the University of Nebraska-Omaha to play his college hockey. He tells us what his best and worst road trips and about how he gets ready for game nights.

1. In an area that's starting to develop some fantastic talent like Chris Brown and Austin Smith in recent years, how do you stand out from the crowd?

Texas has produced some great players over the last 5 years, but I never try to match my self up against them to stand out. I'm more concerned about sitting my own goals and doing my best versus comparing myself to others.

2. After Making the USHL Clark Cup Championship last year, did you think that the team overachieved last year and do you think you get back this season?

Making the Clark Cup last year I don't think we over achieved because throughout the entire year. I'm confident to say were the hardest working team during the season. whatever in a practice and/or a game. We were the most improved team by far and our hard work got us to where we ended up. I feel the Force can go a very long way this year just as we did last year.

3. What are goals in the terms of stats and what else do you want to work on this season to improve your play this season?

As for the 2009-2010 season I would like to put up around 45-50 points. Even though I think there is many factors that make you a good hockey player other then putting points up on the board.

4. How did you decide on the University of Nebraska-Omaha as your college to continue your hockey career for the next 4-5 years?

Next year at UNO I think I can bring speed and energy to the team. I got the chance to watch them play earlier this year and thought they had some good forwards on the team. I feel like I can help them out on the penalty kill and be a player they can count on every single night.

5. What else made you decide on choosing the University of Nebraska-Omaha besides playing hockey?

Visiting UNO I was pretty impressed with the College itself. I loved how it was in the city of Omaha and I could really see myself enjoying living and going to school there. I hope to study in Business as my major.


Quick Hits

Best Road Trip: it's the Sioux City Musketeers, it's pretty close and I love playing at that arena.

Worst Road Trip: the Indiana Ice, way to long of a bus ride.

Thing you miss about Dallas: I miss all the great restaurants in the Dallas Area.

How do you get ready for game night: Listening to Music and I usually like joking around and keep relaxed.

What Celebrity would make a great Hockey Player? Mark Wahlberg, great athlete and very intense.

Q & A with Fargo Force Chase Grant

A native of Oklahoma City, Chase Grant has had a strong junior career which includes a USHL Clark Cup Championship Final Appearance last spring and a recent commitment to Minnesota State University.

During his career in the USHL, he has been an increasing impact on the team by both a physical presence by registering over 120 penalty minutes in their career and has already surprised his goal scoring totals by scoring 11 goals in just 25 games while scoring just 10 goals in 57 games last season. He will also be looking surprise his assist totals this season with 7 assists while he had 18 last year.

In the playoffs last year, he scored 5 points (3G 2A) including an assist in game one of the Clark Cup Championship Series and in the opening game of the West Division Final against the Lincoln Stars where he scored twice. Long after his career ends, he hopes to be a part of a hockey boom in Oklahoma to tell players that players can have successful careers in a place like Oklahoma where the sport isn't that big.

1. Since Ice Hockey isn't big in Oklahoma, how did you get into the sport living in Oklahoma City?

We had a Canadian Neighbor that got me and my brother into the sport!

2. How were you first noticed by the Fargo Force?

I played for the Dallas Stars AAA team for 2 years and the Force recruited me at the national championship tournament in 2008.

3. After making the USHL Clark Cup Final in the team's first season, did you think that your team overachieved last year?

At the beginning of last year I wouldn't have dreamed of making it that far. By the end of the regular season were so used to winning that a 7-0 start in the playoffs wasn't too surprising to us.

4. How do you see yourself becoming a factor when you arrive at Minnesota State University next season?

I see myself doing the little things to be an impact player and doing whatever it takes to be a positive force for the team.

5. How do you think you can use your influence and success to help improve both the quality and the number of players playing Ice Hockey in Oklahoma?

I think just being one of the few guys that has made it out of Oklahoma to go on and get a scholarship in hockey is a good influence on the kids even though hockey is not big in Oklahoma.

Quick Hits

Best and Worst Road Trip in the USHL?
Best: Lincoln, Nebraska (Lincoln Stars)
Worst: Tie between Des Moines Buccaneers and the Indiana Ice

Thing you miss most about living in Oklahoma City?
My Family and the Warm Weather

What TV or Movie Charcter would make a great hockey player?
HAHA No Idea

How do you get pumped up for a game?
I Usually try to to visualize the game and get a little angry before the puck drops.

Southwest Prospects Watch: 11/24

Were going to take a look at players that are playing the USHL today.

C.J. Ludwig & Ryan Daugherty (Omaha Lancers, USHL)

Everything is coming up Roses for the Omaha Lancers so far in the first 2 months of the season as the Lancers have the USHL's Best record. Which includes the 2 Texas Based Players as Forward Ryan Daugherty as he's coming up on his total from last year where he got 16 points in 46 games.

So far through 16 games, he already has 11 points (6G 5A), which includes a strong weekend where he scored in both games last weekend against the Des Moines Buccaneers back on Friday which was a part of a 5-1 smashing of the Buccaneers on Friday. Then on Saturday, n he was held off the score sheet, but had 4 shots in which he came close to scoring in a 6-1 smashing of the Sioux Falls Stampede.

For C.J. Ludwig, 2 goals and an assist have raised his scoring output to 7 points (2G 5A) which were his first 2 goals of the season. The defensemen from Little Elm has raised his physical presence on the ice where he already has 55 penalty minutes this season have made him a great defensemen where he's not afraid to join the attack by having 5 assists so far this season, including one against Des Moines back on Friday night.

If Daugherty and Ludwig can continue their great presence on the ice along with players like Matt White and Erik Haula, the Lancers will continue to run away with the West Division will emerge as a contender for the USHL Clark Cup Championship this season just 2 years after the Lancers won it back in the 2007-2008 season where they beat the Waterloo Blackhawks in a dramatic 5 game series where they were down 2-1 before coming back to win the Championship.

Coming up for Omaha: The Lancers will look to continue their winning ways as a busy Thanksgiving week is upon them as the team will play 3 during Thanksgiving week against the Waterloo Blackhawks at home, then they will hit the road for 2 as they head to Iowa to take on Des Moines and Cedar Rapids before coming home the USNTDP and the Indiana Ice next weekend.

11/25: VS. Waterloo Blackhawks 7:05 PM

11/26: @ Des Moines Buccaneers 7:05 PM

11/28: @ Cedar Rapids Roughriders 7:05 PM

12/4: VS. USNTDP 7:05 PM

12/5: VS. Indiana Ice 7:05 PM


Johnnie Seafoss (Fargo Force, USHL)

A 6 game point streak has Seafoss going for the Force as Fargo is currently 3rd in the USHL West Division where he scored his 6th goal of the year against the USNTDP in a 6-3 win back on back on November 22 where he was a part of 3 goals in just 4 minutes to put the Force up 4-2, in addiditon to the goal, he also assisted on the Colten St. Clair goal which put the Force ahead early in the 3rd period.

In all, he has scored 7 points (1G 6A) in his 6 game point streak in which he also had 2 critical assists in another game against the USNTDP where he assisted on the Force's first goal of the game just 5 minutes in and he also assisted on Garrett Allen's 2nd goal of the game early in the 3rd period where Allen went on to get a hat trick in the game.

Currently, Fargo is in 3rd place in the USHL West Division at a 9-7-0 record who are 6 points back of 2nd place Sioux Falls, but their just 6 points back of last place Lincoln, which just shows you how tight the bottom of the West Division is going to be this season as long as the Omaha Lancers and Sioux Falls Stampede continue to be in the top 2 out west.

As for the season, Seafoss has 15 points (6G 9A) which ranks 4th in team scoring, however he needs to work on his defense as he currently has a -2 Plus/Minus rating for the season so far.

Upcoming schedule for Fargo: The Force will begin a 5 game home stand on Thanksgiving weekend with a pair of games against the Tri-City Storm on November 27 and 28 as the Storm look to move up in the West as they sit in the 4th and final playoff spot in the West Division right now.

After Thanksgiving, 3 games next week will include a pair of games on Friday and Saturday against the Sioux City Musketeers before ending the home stand with a mid week game on December 9 against the Sioux Falls Stampede.

11/27: VS. Tri-City Storm 7:35 PM

11/28: VS. Tri-City Storm 7:05 PM

12/4: VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:35 PM

12/5: VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:05 PM

12/9: VS. Sioux Falls Stampede 7:05 PM


Josh Berge and Blake Coleman (Tri-City Storm, USHL)

November has been bad for the Tri-City Storm as the team have been on a 6 game losing streak since on November 3 with a win against the Lincoln Stars. Also the offense has dried up by scoring just 10 goals in the last 6 games where have the team currently trying to see how to get out of this mess their in right now. For Berge, he had a 6 game point drought before getting an assist in a 3-2 OTL to the USNTDP back on November 21.

He has 9 assists on the team but just one goal which came in a 5-1 win over the Lincoln Stars back on Halloween night, he's basically struggled to find his game on the score sheet by scoring just 15 goals in 118 career games for the Storm.

For the native of Oklahoma City is looking for any chance as he has played in all 16 games played so far this season for the Storm as he has hasn't had much interest from college teams throughout his career, even though he has accepted a scholarship commentinet from Minnesota State University in the WCHA.

Blake Coleman has been mostly a physical presence as he just has 1 goal and 8 assists in through 16 games. Even though he's in for his physical presence as he racked up 30 penalty minutes so far this season.

As for Tyler Amburgey, he just not been great at all, in fact he's probably been a lialibty as he doesn't have a single point in 13 games and only has a -4 on the Plus/Minus Column. He also been really disappointing where at 6'2" 215 LBS, he's not been throwing his weight around as most players of his size are expected to do. He's not giving the team very much right now.

Upcoming Schedule for the Tri-City Storm: After a home game against Sioux City tomorrow night, a long road trip awaits the Storm as 2 against Fargo and 1 against Lincoln will await just after Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, 6 of their next 7 will be at home with a date against the USNTDP, Omaha and Des Moines. Then after a road game in Omaha, the next 3 at home will be against East Division Opposition against the Waterloo Blackhawks and Green Bay going into the leagues Christmas Break.

11/25: VS. Sioux City Musketeers 7:05 PM

11/27: @ Fargo Force 7:35 PM

11/28: @ Fargo Force 7:05 PM

12/4: @ Lincoln Stars 7:05 PM

12/5: VS. USNTDP 7:05 PM