Alaska Trip Ends with Two Wins; Plenty of Memories
December 6, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) It was designed to be a business trip, and in the end the Fargo-Moorhead Jets treated it just as it was intended to be. However, as the players headed home this weekend after their three-game trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, they couldn't help but remember what turned out being a voyage that brought them more in common with each other.
The Jets went 2-0-1 against the Fairbanks IceDogs this weekend. The two wins mean the Jets (17-5-1) keep pace with the Helena Bighorns for first place in the North American Hockey League's West Division. Both teams are tied with 35 points each, however the Jets have played one fewer game than Helena.
"I think we responded very well to dealing with the elements and came out with what we were looking for when we departed last week" said assistant coach Aaron Kinslow.
After losing the opener of the series 3-0 on Dec. 2, the Jets came back to win handily 6-3 and 5-3 the next two nights.
Phil Fox (Stillwater, MN) led the Jets with eight points (5 goals, 3 assists), including a hat trick in Fargo-Moorhead's win on Dec. 4. He now has team high 16 goals which is ranked in the top ten of individuals in the NAHL.
Joe Schuster (Grand Rapids, MN) tossed in three assists, while Drew Mahar (Olympia, WA) had three points (goal, two assists).
Chris Myhro (Eden Prairie, MN) also netted his 11th goal of the season during the first period of the Jets' Dec. 3 win. However, more importantly, the goal was his first since Oct. 17, snapping a 13 game goal drought.
However, the trip wasn't just about three games on the ice but also an opportunity for the players to get an experience many never get to have. With the exception of a handful of veterans who had played Fairbanks with previous teams, this was the first time players had embarked to Alaska.
While the trip featured little in the way of sightseeing, just the opportunity to experience the frigid air of Alaska (High temperatures rarely crested above 0 degrees Fahrenheit) and to say they lived through days where sunlight made only very brief cameo appearances, was enjoyable.
"It was good to be able to come up here, and just to be able to say we've been to Alaska is fun" said forward Jon Skoog (Long Lake, MN).
Plus, the trip featured plane travel, a rarity for many junior hockey teams. Though most of the players and coaches had flown before, this was a new experience for forward Lance Malark.
"Te plane rides weren't that bad" noted Malark as the team touched down in Fargo Monday afternoon, ending the team's trip.
The Jets now get some time to recuperate from a nearly 24 hour trip back from Fairbanks on Monday afternoon. Fargo-Moorhead now sees their schedule hit one of the more lethargic periods of the year, as the Jets only play three games in the next 22 days.
Last Week's Results
12/2 @ Fairbanks 0-3 Loss
12/3 @ Fairbanks 6-3 Win
12/4 @ Fairbanks 5-3 Win
This Week's Games
12/11 @ Minnesota 7:00pm
Next Home Game
12/17 Minnesota 7:05pm
Air the Bear Teddy Bear Toss Promotion
The FM Jets are in their second season as members of the North American Hockey League. The NAHL is the nation's largest Junior A hockey league and is now in its 29th year of operation. For more information, visit fmjets.com or call (701) 235-2354.
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcasted on STAR 103.9.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2004
- Alaska Trip Ends with Two Wins; Plenty of Memories - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Minnesota Blizzard weekly summary - Alexandria Blizzard
- U.S. National Team weekly report - U.S. National Team
- Minnesota Blizzard on the Road - Alexandria Blizzard
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