Fox Guides FM Jets to Three-Point Weekend
December 5, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) When Phil Fox (Stillwater, MN) returned to the Fargo-Moorhead Jets (17-7-2) in late October, it was assumed he would quickly ascend to be one of the team's scoring leaders as he did last season. Typically the type of hype that greeted Fox when he came back to the Jets after starting the season in the USHL, is met with production that fall short of projected numbers.
This has definitely not been the case for the 20-year old veteran, especially following a 6-point performance last weekend, leading the FM Jets to three of a possible four points. Fox had an assist and the game winning goal in the Jets' 2-1 win at the Minnesota Blizzard on December 2. He followed that up with another goal, and three assists the next night in the Jets' 5-4 shootout loss at home to Minnesota.
The strong weekend, just another in a series of joyous Fridays and Saturdays - gives Fox 19 points (8 goals) in only 14 games. He is scoring 1.4 ppg, which is the highest average of any Jet, and is now fourth on the all-time franchise scoring list with 89 points (34 goals).
If he keeps up his current pace, Fox will easily surpass Chris Myhro (117 points) for the most points in team history.
However, Fox's excellent play is just the foundation of what was a productive weekend for the FM Jets, who showed both an improved offense, and improving penalty kill against Minnesota.
"We are getting what we wanted out of Phil" said head coach Chad Johnson. "He is producing, and the rest of the team is picking up their play as well.
The Jets struggling penalty kill held Minnesota off the board on Dec. 2, and allowed only a fluke goal against the next night at home to go 9/10 in opportunities.
"I think that's a sign that our penalty kill has become more aggressive, though we still need to improve" added Johnson.
Meanwhile, the offense did its part. While only scoring twice in the first-game of the weekend series, the Jets controlled the tempo of play and if not for Minnesota goaltender Dustin Carlson's eye-popping saves, the Jets' could easily have had more.
The Jets did score four goals -including two power play strikes - during the Dec. 3 game, marking only the fourth time in the last 12 games the team did so.
Along with Fox, his two line mates Matt Moreland (Grand Forks, ND) and Chris Connolly (Duluth, MN) also stood out, with each getting a goal and an assist in the shootout loss at home.
Tempering what could've been a perfect weekend, was Minnesota's shootout triumph at the Carlson Coliseum, snapping numerous streaks, not the least was a seven-game winless streak the Blizzard were on. In addition, the win by Minnesota was their first in Fargo since Feb. 21, 2004 and ended the Jets seven-game winning streak over their neighbors from Alexandria, which dated back to last April's playoff series.
Time for Some Rest
After playing 18 games in the past 44 days, the FM Jets will have an opportunity to relax somewhat this weekend. The FM Jets have only a single-game on Thursday night at home against their North Dakota rivals, the Bismarck Bobcats.
Last Week (1-0-1)
Fri. Dec. 2 @ Minnesota Blizzard 2-1 Win
Sat. Dec. 3 vs. Minnesota Blizzard 4-5 SOL
This Week
Thurs. Dec. 8 vs. Bismarck Bobcats 7:05pm (CST)
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 STAR 103.9 and sportsjuice.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 5, 2005
- Blizzard Splits Weekend Series - Alexandria Blizzard
- Wildcats Split with Tornado - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets Player Signs with College - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Fox Guides FM Jets to Three-Point Weekend - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Cleveland knocks off Stars twice - Traverse City North Stars
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