Fargo Franchise Officially Approved
Published on July 5, 2007 under United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
GRAND FORKS, N.D.: On Monday, July 2 the United States Hockey League's Board of Governors, as expected, formally approved the application and accompanying membership of the franchise slated for Fargo, North Dakota. Ace Brandt Holdings of Fargo will be the parent company of the franchise.
"Fargo is a great hockey town and will be a tremendous addition to the USHL. The Urban Plains Center will be another first-class facility for our league to play in. Someday soon, you will see local kids playing in front of hometown crowds; that will be great to see," said USHL Chairman of the Board Jim Kronschnabel. "We welcome Fargo back to the USHL."
This will be the third go-round in Fargo for the USHL. The F-M Bears played out of the Moorhead Sports Center in 1995-96 and folded after one season. The Fargo-Moorhead Ice Sharks played at the Fargo Coliseum from 1996-2000 before being sold and relocated to Chicago, Ill. where they became the Steel.
"The USHL is very excited about the new facility and membership that is coming to Fargo," said USHL President Gino Gasparini. "The team will have the good fortune to play in one of the finest facilities in our league. The combination of a state-of-the-art facility and solid ownership gives us a lot to look forward to in Fargo. They have a bright future in the USHL."
Local businessman Ace Brandt will be the majority owner of the franchise. The Urban Plains Center will be a $40 million facility currently under construction following last week's groundbreaking ceremony. The facility will have five ice sheets with the main arena seating accommodating 5,000 people, including 300 club seats as well as 40 luxury suites.
Dean Blais, former head coach at the University of North Dakota (1994-2004) will be the head coach and general manager of the yet to be named team. They are expected to begin play in the USHL's West Division in the 2008-09 season.
For more information on the Urban Plains Center, check them out on the web at http://www.upcenterfargo.com/.
The USHL is America's only Tier I league and the premier path for developing players in America. Last season, the USHL had over 170 players commit to skate at Division I colleges and 42 players with league ties selected in the NHL Draft. For more information on the USHL and its member teams, visit us on the web at www.ushl.com. The 29th season of junior hockey in the USHL will get underway October 5.
United States Hockey League Stories from July 5, 2007
- Fargo Franchise Officially Approved - USHL
- Jim McKenzie signs with Ottawa - Sioux Falls Stampede
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.
