Fargo News

Construction of the new arena for the Fargo Force, the USHL's newest expansion franchise, was delayed when vandals did quite a bit of damage. I realize that there isn't much to do in Fargo, but that's still uncalled for.

Meanwhile, Fargo head coach Dean Blais hired Jason Herter as an assistant coach, making an all-former Sioux coaching staff. Herter's hire is particularly interesting because one of Blais' biggest coups so far, has been drawing defenseman Garrett Clarke, who played for Herter with the Russell Stover Midget Major team last season. Clarke will be highly sought-after by the QMJHL this summer, and Herter may help keep Clarke on track to play for North Dakota in 2010.

Fargo may be an expansion franchise, but they won't be your typical expansion team. Blais has already worked to assemble a pretty talented crew for the Force's first season. In addition to Clarke, Minnesota recruit Nate Condon, and St. Cloud recruit Bryce Ravndalen will also be playing in Fargo next year, and there have been rumors of Roseau goalie Mike Lee foregoing his senior year to play with the Force.