Calm After the Storm, FM Jets Return to NAHL Play this Week
December 4, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) Imagine the period of time after the senior formal dance, but before that last week of finals and graduation. The excitement leading up to the dance, is followed by calmness and even maybe an emotional letdown before the final exams kick in. Memories of the dance are still soaked in to the point that the images and even smells are so vivid that it's easy to go back to them in a daydream.
However, the reality is that it's in the past and as much fun as it may have been there is work that still must be done.
For the Fargo-Moorhead Jets Junior A hockey team, they experienced their formal dance last weekend, and now its back to what really counts and to the games that in the end will ultimately determined the way this season is remembered come next summer.
On Saturday night, before a franchise-record crowd of 2,328 the FM Jets skated well but eventually lost 5-1 to a significantly better United States U-18 National Team. Comprised of the top 1989 born players, virtually all committed to top-level college players and destined for National Hockey League stardom, Team USA controlled play, but the game never was in fact closer than the final score indicated.
"I think we showed that we can hang with (Team USA), but they are very good and made us pay for anything mistake" said head coach Chad Johnson. "Our players had a very good test and it was a positive for them to take part in a game such as this."
The FM Jets trailed only 1-0 after the first period, and had numerous chances to tie the game during a five-on-three power play midway through the second period. However, Team USA goaltender Brad Phillips stymied the attack, including robbing leading scorer Jesse Ecthernach (Bemidji, MN).
Moments later, Team USA extended the lead on a pair of FM Jets' defensive mistakes to make it 3-0.
Fargo-Moorhead would prevent the shutout with a goal from Jon Halstenson (Fargo, ND) late in the second period, but a Team USA power play goal in the third period ended the upset bid. An empty net goal in the final minute capped the 5-1 win.
None of the stats from the game count as it was an exhibition game.
In the past month, the Team USA game had gained in momentum and was one of those marked games on the schedule for weeks. With the game over, the focus for the FM Jets' returns to their North American Hockey League schedule and to improving on their Central Division leading 17-6-1 record.
"It's important for the guys to put the Team USA game behind them and be ready for this weekend" said Johnson. "We are only in December and nothing is close to over yet."
The FM Jets return to NAHL play with quick a wallop this weekend with three-games in three days. This includes two games against the surging Southern Minnesota Express, and another against the Alexandria Blizzard. After a home game on Friday against Southern Minnesota, the FM Jets go to Alexandria and Southern Minnesota on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Southern Minnesota is coming off back-to-back wins at NAHL-leading St.Louis and have won six of eight games. After a dismal start, Southern Minnesota has jumped into third place in the Central Division at 13-12-1.
As for Alexandria, it has been a rough season, with a league-worst 16 points. The Blizzard are looking for some momentum before the holiday break in two weeks.
Hitting the Road
The upcoming weekend for the Fargo-Moorhead Jets is the start of a significant change in the schedule. After spending almost all of the past two months at the Carlson Coliseum, the FM Jets' begin a stretch where they will play more road games than home games.
Of the team's 38 remaining games, 24 of the games will be on the road.
The FM Jets' have already played 14 of their 24 home games.
Wrapping Gifts
Once again, the FM Jets are assisting the Fargo Optimist Club with their annual gift-wrapping fundraiser at the West Acres Mall. Starting December 4th, members of the FM Jets' will be wrapping gifts on weeknight evenings for the Fargo Optimist Club. All money raised goes towards the Optimist Club and their various programs that assist local programs geared towards.
This is the second consecutive season the FM Jets' have wrapped gifts at the West Acres Mall.
Getting Canned
The FM Jets are also assisting the Great Plains Food Bank during the holiday season. Each Wednesday, members of the FM Jets are helping volunteers pack food items for distribution at the food bank's warehouse on 3rd Ave. North
Last Week
Dec. 2 United States U-18 National Team (EX) 1-5 Loss
This Week
Dec. 8 Southern Minnesota Express 7:35pm
Dec. 9 @ Alexandria Blizzard 7:00pm
Dec. 10 @ Southern Minnesota Express 5:05pm
The FM Jets Junior A Hockey Club is in its fourth 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 31st 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 Today's Hot New Country 103.9 THE TRUCK and audiosportsonline.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 4, 2006
- Wildcats Fall Short on the Road - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Calm After the Storm, FM Jets Return to NAHL Play this Week - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Alpena wins in Marquette - Alpena IceDiggers
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.
