Force Add 3 Players in Separate Transactions Ahead of USHL Draft
Published on May 7, 2018 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Fargo Force News Release
FARGO, ND - The Fargo Force have acquired three players in three separate transactions announced ahead of the USHL draft which begins tonight with Phase 1 at 6 PM CT.
In the first trade, Fargo acquired forward Ryan O'Reilly from the Madison Capitols in exchange for 3 picks in the 2018 draft - a first round pick in Phase 1, and a first and fifth round pick in Phase 2. O'Reilly just completed his first full season in the USHL with the Capitols where he played in 45 games scoring 21 goals and adding 13 assists. He was named to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team at the completion of the 2017-18 season. He was also ranked 58th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings that were released in April. The forward is committed to the University of Denver.
In the second transaction, the Force acquired forward Tyler Gratton from the Chicago Steel in exchange for 2 picks in the 2018 draft - a third round pick in Phase 1 and a second round pick in Phase 2. Gratton will be a third-year veteran in the USHL next season after playing two full seasons for the Steel. He's played in 101 total games over the past two seasons, tallying 38 points (14g, 24a). The Pottstown, PA native is committed to Penn State University following his junior hockey career.
"We are very excited to add 2 quality veterans and an up and coming prospect to the Fargo Force for the 18-19 season." said Force GM/Head Coach Cary Eades. "We had accumulated a stockpile of 2018 draft picks via trades throughout this past season, and we were happy to "spend" some of those picks on established USHL players."
"O'Reilly is a right handed power forward and a proven goal scorer as evidenced by him racking up 21 goals in only 45 games as a rookie for Madison this past season. He is expected to be an NHL Draft pick this June - which will be extra special for him as the draft will be hosted in his hometown of Dallas, Texas."
"Gratton is also a big body forward, with skills that fit our style of play. He is a 2 year veteran of USHL wars, and won a Clark Cup with Chicago in 2016, as he scored the game-winning goal in OT in the 5th and deciding game".
In addition to the trades above, the Force have also acquired forward Ryan Robinson from Muskegon. He is a 2001 birthdate who played for the Dallas Stars U16 team last season, and is expected to compete for a roster spot with the Force in 18-19. Ryan was the "player to be named later" in the October 2017 trade which Fargo acquired 2 draft picks (and Robinson) from Muskegon for defenseman Clayton Phillips. Robinson is committed to Arizona State University.
All 3 players are expected to be at the Force's tryout camp held in Fargo this June. Fans can follow along live with the USHL draft at ushl.com.
The Clark Cup Final starts this weekend at Scheels Arena on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 versus the Youngstown Phantoms. Single game tickets for games 1 and 2 at Scheels Arena are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets at the Scheels Arena box office open Monday through Friday from 10 AM-5 PM, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.
United States Hockey League Stories from May 7, 2018
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- Lancers Select 10 Players in USHL Phase 1 Draft - Omaha Lancers
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- Fighting Saints Complete 2018 Phase I Draft - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Defensemen Dazzle Hawks Draft Class - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Force Select Seven Players in USHL Phase 1 Draft - Fargo Force
- Lancers Make Transactions Ahead of USHL Draft - Omaha Lancers
- Force Add 3 Players in Separate Transactions Ahead of USHL Draft - Fargo Force
- Omaha Lancers Sign Cameron Berg to Tender - USHL
- Lancers Tender Cameron Berg Ahead of USHL Draft - Omaha Lancers
- Stars Announce Trades Prior to 2018 USHL Draft - Lincoln Stars
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- Bucs Sign Isaac Novak and Patrick Schmiedlin to USHL Tenders Ahead of Draft - Des Moines Buccaneers
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.
