NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Fargo-Moorhead to Host 2009 IIHF World U18 Champsionship

February 15, 2008 - United States Hockey League (USHL) - Fargo Force News Release


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey announced wednesday that Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, will play host to the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-18 Championship.

Tentative dates for the event, pending IIHF approval, are April 9-19, 2009.

"We're extremely pleased to be bringing this world-class event to Fargo-Moorhead," said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. "Fans will have the chance to watch teams that have rosters filled with future National Hockey League stars."

The IIHF World Under-18 Championship is a 10-nation tournament that features the world's best players under 18 years of age. Prominent U.S. players that have previously competed in the event include Patrick Kane, the No. 1 choice in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the Chicago Blackhawks; Erik Johnson, the No. 1 choice in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the St. Louis Blues; Rick DiPietro, the No. 1 pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the New York Islanders; Zach Parise, a first round choice in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the New Jersey Devils; James vanRiemsdyk, the No. 2 pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the University of New Hampshire Wildcats; Phil Kessel, the No. 5 choice in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the Boston Bruins; Ryan Suter, the No. 7 pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the Nashville Predators; and T.J. Hensick, a third-round pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and a member of the Colorado Avalanche.

"We're thrilled that USA Hockey has chosen the state of North Dakota as its first U.S. host for one of the top international hockey tournaments," said John Hoeven, governor of North Dakota. "We're excited to showcase our state, the city of Fargo and the new Urban Plains Center to players, coaches and fans from around the world."

The primary venue for the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championship will be the 5,000-seat Urban Plains Center in Fargo. Currently under construction, the facility is expected to be completed in November, 2008. The Moorhead Sports Center, with a capacity of 3,000, will also host games during the IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

The United States has enjoyed much success in the IIHF World Under-18 Championship, winning either the gold or silver medal all but once in the last six years (2007-Silver; 2006-Gold; 2005-Gold; 2004-Silver; 2003-4th; 2002-Gold).

"We're extremely impressed not only with the support from the leaders of the state and region, but also with the enthusiasm from the community and the terrific group locally that will lead the tournament," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "We know that the teams from around the world will be treated to playing in outstanding facilities, while enjoying the wonderful hospitality from the Fargo-Moorhead community."


"We worked hard to bring this prestigious event to our community," said Lance Johnson, general manager of the Urban Plains Center. "We're thankful for the confidence USA Hockey has shown in us and we look forward to putting on a first-class tournament."

NOTES: Fargo-Moorhead beat out finalists St. Cloud, Minn., and Providence, R.I. ... The IIHF World Under-18 Championship, a tournament that began in 1999, has never been staged in the United States ... The 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championship will be held April 13-23 in Kazan, Russia. Participating teams include the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Belarus, Slovakia, Russia, Denmark, Switzerland and Finland ... Details on ticket packages for the 2009 World Under-18 Championship will be unveiled later this spring ... Zach Parise scored the game-winning goal in the 2002 IIHF World Under-18 Championship to give the U.S. its first gold medal in the event.

Previous Hosts of the IIHF World Under-18 Championship

1999 - Fussen & Kaufbeuren, Germany

2000 - Kloten & Weinfelden, Switzerland

2001 - Heinola, Helsinki and Lahti, Finland

2002 - Trnava & Piestany, Slovakia

2003 - Jaroslavl, Russia

2004 - Minsk, Belarus

2005 - Ceske Budejovice & Plzen, Czech Republic

2006 - Angelholm & Halmstad, Sweden

2007 - Tampere & Rauma, Finland


• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...

United States Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2008


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.

Other Recent Fargo Force Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central