Division Play Starts with 1-1 Record
Published on October 9, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) It was a weekend of firsts as the Fargo-Moorhead Jets started Central Division play by splitting a two-game home series against the Alexandria Blizzard at the Carlson Coliseum last weekend. What at a cursory look, comes across as a fairly mundane early season weekend split for both teams was in fact soaked with numerous storylines.
Fans were left with a case of déjà vu' with the scoreboard flashing a 3-0 final score at the end of each night. Alexandria won 3-0 on Oct. 6 with the FM Jets taking the Oct. 7 decision 3-0 decision. The back-to-back identical shutouts shared by the teams were odd, but what leaves the lasting mark is the end of one long streak and a pair of personal milestones.
Alexandria's win on Oct. 6, marked the Blizzard's first regulation win at the Carlson Coliseum since Feb. 21, 2004. Since then, Alexandria had managed only a shootout win in numerous trips to the North Fargo facility, and in many encounters had provided nothing more than a mild challenge to the FM Jets.
Nonetheless, led by second-year goaltender Dustin Carlson's 41 saves, Alexandria broke the drought. For Carlson, it was his first Junior A shutout, and was also Alexandria's first shutout as a team since their inaugural season in 2003-2004.
Not to be outdone, the FM Jets earned their first shutout of the season the next night as Elliot Okland (Fargo, ND) stopped 29 shots. For the Fargo North graduate, it was his first Junior A shutout in his three-year FM Jets' career.
The win on Oct. 7 also kept the FM Jets from falling below .500% for the first time since their season-opening loss to Traverse City. The FM Jets stand at 5-4-0 and are one of nine teams in the North American Hockey League with an above .500% record.
One of the Best
Veteran Jesse Echternach (Bemidji, MN) continued his great start earning a goal and an assist in the FM Jets' Oct. 7 victory. Echternach has 14 points which is tied for fourth in the NAHL amongst individuals. His 8 goals are ranked fourth.
All Wins Leader
With the FM Jets' victory on Oct. 7, head coach Chad Johnson earned his 39th win at the helm of the FM Jets. The victory moved Johnson past former Ice Sharks head coach Dave Christian for the most wins by a Junior A hockey coach in the F-M area. Christian led his Ice Shark teams to 38 wins from 1997-2000. Christian is the father of current FM Jets' goaltender Beau Christian (Moorhead, MN).
Alumni Update
.2005-2006 forward Brandon Richardson is third in scoring in the Canadian Central Junior A League with 21 points (4 goals). Richardson is playing for the Pembroke Lumber Kings.
Tattoo Interest
The FM Jets "Tattoo Night" promotion isn't until January 5 but there have already been numerous inquiries into the event. On that night, any fan with a visible tattoo will receive a 50% discount on tickets. In addition, any fan who gets the official FM Jets' logo tattooed on a visible part of their body receives lifetime admission to FM Jets' home games.
Already, one fan has taken the FM Jets up on the offer with at least a dozen more fans interested in getting the logo tattooed on their body. Fans should call the FM Jets' office before getting the logo tattooed to ensure they use the correct logo and put it on an acceptable part of their body.
Last Week
Oct. 6 Alexandria Blizzard 0-3 Loss
Oct. 7 Alexandria Blizzard 3-0 Win
This Week
Oct. 13 Bismarck Bobcats 7:35pm
Oct. 14 Bismarck Bobcats 7:05pm
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 October 9, 2006
- Wildcats Gearing Up For Tornado - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Division Play Starts with 1-1 Record - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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.
