FM Jets Set Franchise Record for Attendance; Extend First-Place Lead

Published on January 23, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release


Fargo (ND) The Carlson Coliseum, the Fargo-Moorhead Jets home rink, can be equated to dating a best friend whose acne filled face is eclipsed by a heart of gold. While not aesthetically pleasing to the eye, the Coliseum's inside-character makes it one of the more exciting rinks in the North American Hockey League. One, not many hockey fans would trade for all the marble floors and super-jumbotrons in the world.

On Friday January 20th, the Carlson Coliseum had its chance to be the one most popular one at the ball as a Fargo-Moorhead Jets singe-game franchise record 1,512 fans attended the home team's 5-3 victory over the North Iowa Outlaws.

Team principal Todd Norman had a smile on his face after the game as he said, "This is why we brought this team here, and seeing all the people leaving with smiles on their face was a great feeling. People always leave our games with a positive feeling."

The previous franchise high was slightly more than 1,400 for a February 2004 game against Billings, however that night had special "$1" ticket special. That wasn't the case with this latest franchise-record. A buzz had developed over the Jan. 20th game if for no other reason then because the FM Jets had been on a three-week road trip following a Dec. 29th home game.

Attendance at FM Jets games in 2005-2006 is on pace to be the best in the team's three-year history, including being well ahead of last year's pace and with the prime dates of February and March to come, optimism is very high.

Almost as an afterthought to the successful night, the FM Jets skated away with a win over North Iowa in their only game of the weekend.

Likely energized with the number of eyeballs on them, the FM Jets pumped in three first period goals to skate into the intermission up 3-0. However, North Iowa - playing with the desperation needed from a team seeing its playoff hopes fade - showed they weren't about to roll over, tying the game 3-3 in the second period.

Then Dane Bushey (Duluth, MN) came to the FM Jets' rescue, while further showing he may very well be another veteran to count on down the stretch, with a beautiful goal. With 57 seconds remaining in the second period, Bushey raced to the left circle, pulled back on a shot to get the goal out of position, then buried the puck into what developed into an open-net.

A third period goal from the FM Jets capped the 5-3 victory, with Fargo North High School senior Elliot Okland earning the win in net.

The victory for Okland moves him above .500% (5-3-0) for the first time in his career.

The win also extended the FM Jets lead in the Central Division to seven points over Southern Minnesota, which was idle all weekend.

Park District Installs New Netting

The Fargo Park District installed a net that surrounds the entire rink at the Carlson Coliseum late last week. All comments concerning the netting system should be directed to the Fargo Park District.

Last Week (1-0-0)

Fri. Jan. 20 North Iowa Outlaws 5-3 Win

This Week

Fri. Jan. 27 Bismarck Bobcats 7:05pm

Sat. Jan. 28 Billings Bulls 7:05pm

The FM Jets are the 2005 Borne Cup Champions and are in their third 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 30th 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 sportsjuice.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2006


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.

OurSports Central