Force Name Johnson as New Head Coach, GM
Published on June 22, 2009 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Fargo Force News Release
Fargo Force Named Steve Johnson as new Head Coach and General Manager Steve JohnsonThe Fargo Force announced on Friday that Steve Johnson has been selected as the new head coach and general manager replacing Dean Blais. Johnson will officially begin his role effective July 1st, 2009 and has begun informing the team and affiliate list players.
"I am honored and excited to be the head coach and general manager of the Fargo Force," stated Steve Johnson. "I enjoyed my first twelve years in the league, beginning here in Fargo-Moorhead, but after two years out of coaching I am eager and ready to dive back in. I am looking forward to the challenge of building on the foundation that Dean Blais laid here in the Fargo area. This is a great opportunity and I cannot wait to get started and begin the pursuit of bringing a Clark Cup Championship to the Fargo-Moorhead area."
Many qualified candidates submitted resumes and expressed interest in the position but Johnson was selected due to his proven success in the USHL while leading the Lincoln Stars for over a decade, his ability to develop players and a coaching style which is very exciting and aggressive brand of hockey. While in Lincoln, Johnson compiled the following achievements/awards:
- Three time USHL Coach and General Manager of the Year
- Six Team Championships
- Two time Clark Cup Champions (USHL Champions)
- Three time Anderson Cup Champions (Best regular season record)
- Gold Cup Champions
- Over .600 winning percentage
- 2003 NHL Draft included seven former Lincoln Stars
Coach Johnsons' renowned talent for developing elite hockey players came to the forefront while in Lincoln, as several of his players have developed and moved on to successful careers. They include the likes of Jeff Panzer, Ryan Potulny, Chris Fournier, Bryan Lundbom, Brandon Bochenski, Andy Schneider, Chris Porter, Robbie Bina, Phil Lamoureux and Brian Lee. Johnson also led Team USHL to a Gold Medal at the Four Nations Tournament in 1999 and coached one season in Fargo-Moorhead for the Fargo-Moorhead Bears in 1995-1996.
"I would like to congratulate Steve and the Fargo Force which appears to be a perfect match for both parties, what a great selection as the next head coach and general manager of the Fargo Force" said Skip Prince, USHL Commissioner. "Steve brings a ton of talent to the bench in addition to what resides on the ice, definitely placing the Force in a position to pick up where they left off after the extremely successful inaugural season."
United States Hockey League Stories from June 22, 2009
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- Musketeers GM/Head Coach Todd Knott accepts position with Minnesota State Mankato - Sioux City Musketeers
- Force Name Johnson as New Head Coach, GM - Fargo Force
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