Force Acquire 3 Year USHL Veteran
February 2, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Fargo Force News Release
The Fargo Force, who currently sit in 1st place overall in the USHL standings with a 24-8-3 record, have bolstered their line-up by acquiring Muskegon forward Owen Mehlenbacher. The 6'2, 193 lb left shot forward is in his 3rd year in the USHL and scored 36 goals and 42 assists in 133 games in his 2-1/2 seasons with the Lumberjacks. He was Muskegon's team captain, and recorded 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points with 54 penalty minutes in 31 games so far this season.
Mehlenbacher who hails from Ft. Erie, ONT, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in last year's NHL draft. Owen is in the 2004 birth year, and is committed to attend the University of Wisconsin.
"We are extremely excited to add a veteran presence and a quality player to our forward group", said Force general Manager, Cary Eades. "Owen is a big body that plays a complete 200 foot game. He is known as a leader, and has been through the USHL grind. Additionally, Owen has USHL play-off experience, which is invaluable, and has played some of
his best games when the stakes are high. We had to give up some of our future to acquire him, but we feel adding him gives us a better chance of staying on top of the regular season standings, and more importantly, hopefully a long Clark Cup play-off run in April and May".
Heading to Muskegon on the trade is 2005 forward, Ty Henricks, who had 6 goals and 3 assists in 28 games during his first season in junior hockey with the Force. "Ty's game continued to develop with us throughout the season", said Eades. "He has a bright future, and we wish him nothing but success with Muskegon." The deal also involves "future considerations" going Muskegon's way, which will be announced on USHL draft day in early May of 2023.
Mehlenbacher is expected to be in the Force line-up this weekend when they play in Waterloo. It's the 1st meetings of the season for the 2 top teams in the Western conference, as the Black Hawks are only 5 points behind Fargo after winning 9 of their last 10 outings. Force fans will get their 1st opportunity to see Mehlenbacher, who will wear jersey #8, at home the following weekend, when Sioux City will play 2 games at Scheels Arena on Feb. 10 and 11.
United States Hockey League Stories from February 2, 2023
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- Lumberjacks Say Three Big Trades Will Allow Talented Youngsters to Lead Team this Season and Beyond - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Caps Travel to Face USNTDP - Madison Capitols
- Force Acquire 3 Year USHL Veteran - Fargo Force
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