Immigration Issues Force FM Jets to Release Player
Published on January 11, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) After two weeks of exhausting virtually every resource there is, the Fargo-Moorhead Jets have decided to trade defenseman Ryan Adams (Deloraine, MB) due to complications at the U.S./Canadian border.
"We were really left with no other options that benefit Ryan," said head coach Chad Johnson. "While it was an uphill battle, we could've continued the process with no timetable or guarantee for success, so letting Ryan go was the best option for his career."
By trading Adams to the OCN Blizzard of the Jr. A Manitoba Junior Hockey League, this allows him to once again play hockey beginning immediately.
Adams played in 17 games with the FM Jets, after joining the team on October 27 from the MJHL's Dauphin franchise and netted 10 points (2 goals) . More importantly, he helped to solidify the team's defense.
Following the FM Jets' Dec. 17 game at Minnesota, Adams -like the rest of the team- left for his home in Deloraine, Manitoba to enjoy the nine-day holiday layoff. However, upon trying to return to the United States, Adams' was denied entry due to working visa restrictions.
The visa that both Adams, as well as other hockey players, had used to cross the border the first time is no longer valid, as border restrictions have tightened with the increased awareness from Homeland Security.
The FM Jets had applied for a H2B visa on Adams' behalf in December when it became apparent the old visas were no longer valid, but the application was denied because the government's quota had been reached.
"This was just an unfortunate incident...the whole process turned into a convoluted quagmire" said general manager Randy Nielsen. "We feel terrible for Ryan and his family. He was well liked here."
"No doubt it is a disappointment not getting Ryan back, both on and off the ice, but this just means others guys will have to step up" added Johnson. "There are almost never any issues with players crossing the border but there are newer restrictions coming out that we all have to get used to."
The FM Jets received Adams as part of a trade with the Southeast Blades of the MJHL, which sent former FM Jets Andrew Hasbargen and Cory Nigbur north of the border in October.
The FM Jets (23-10-3) are in first place in the Central Division and will conclude a string of seven consecutive road games this weekend at Southern Minnesota Friday, then at North Iowa on Saturday and Sunday. The FM Jets are home on Jan. 20 at 8pm versus North Iowa.
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.
Jets home games are played at the John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, ND. All games are broadcast at 103.9 THE TRUCK and fmjets.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 11, 2006
- Redeem December 31 ticket for lift ticket - Bismarck Bobcats
- Injury claims another Stars forward - Traverse City North Stars
- Immigration Issues Force FM Jets to Release Player - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- U.S. National Under-18 Team Travels Across Town To Face Wolverines Then North To Alpena - U.S. National Team
- Junior Barons Report - Cleveland Barons
- Best Home Team in the NAHL Returns to Frisco this Weekend - Texas Tornado
- Dog Pound Weekly - Bozeman Icedogs
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