Jets Alaska trip ends with two wins, plenty of memories
December 9, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
It was designed to be a business trip, and in the end the Fargo-Moorhead Jets treated it just as it was intended to be. However, as the players headed home after their three-game trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, they couldn't help but remember what turned out being a voyage that brought out in them more of what they have in common with each other.
The Jets went 2-1 against the Fairbanks IceDogs this weekend. The two wins mean the Jets (17-5-1) keep pace with the Helena Bighorns for first place in the North American Hockey League's West Division. Both teams are tied with 35 points each, however the Jets have played one fewer game than Helena.
"I think we responded very well to dealing with the elements and came out with what we were looking for when we departed last week," said assistant coach Aaron Kinslow.
After losing the opener of the series 3-0 on December 2, the Jets came back to win handily 6-3 and 5-3 the next two nights.
Phil Fox (Stillwater, Minnesota, pictured above) led the Jets with eight points (five goals, three assists), including a hat trick in Fargo-Moorhead's win on December 4. He now has team-high 16 goals which ranks in the top ten in the NAHL.
Joe Schuster (Grand Rapids, Minnesota) tossed in three assists, while Drew Mahar (Olympia, Washington) had three points (one goal, two assists).
Chris Myhro (Eden Prairie, Minnesota) also netted his 11th goal of the season during the first period of the Jets' December 3 win. However, more importantly, the goal was his first since October 17, snapping a 13-game goal drought.
However, the trip wasn't just about three games on the ice, but also an opportunity for the players to get an experience many never get to have. With the exception of a handful of veterans who had played Fairbanks with previous teams, this was the first time most of the players had traveled to Alaska.
While the trip featured little in the way of sightseeing, just the opportunity to experience the frigid air of Alaska (high temperatures rarely crested above 0 degrees Fahrenheit) and to say they lived through days where sunlight made only very brief cameo appearances was enjoyable.
"It was good to be able to come up here, and just to be able to say we've been to Alaska is fun," said forward Jon Skoog (Long Lake, Minnesota).
Plus, the trip featured plane travel, a rarity for many junior hockey teams. Though most of the players and coaches had flown before, this was a new experience for forward Lance Malark.
"The plane rides weren't that bad" noted Malark as the team touched down in Fargo Monday afternoon, ending the team's trip.
The Jets now get some time to recuperate from a nearly 24 hour trip back from Fairbanks on Monday afternoon. Fargo-Moorhead now sees their schedule hit one of the more lethargic periods of the year, as the Jets only play three games in the next 22 days.
This Week's Games: December 11 at Minnesota 7:00 p.m.
Next Home Game: December 17 vs. Minnesota 7:05 p.m. Air the Bear Teddy Bear Toss Promotion Night
North American Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2004
- Bighorns notch record seventh straight win - Helena Bighorns
- Ringing in the season - Bismarck Bobcats
- Ribiero's breakout weekend earns Sher-Wood NAHL Offensive Player of the Week honors - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Tornado fight back for two wins despite Friday loss - Texas Tornado
- Jets Alaska trip ends with two wins, plenty of memories - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Indians still under construction - Soo Indians
- Wildcats drop a pair - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Blizzard win two on Montana trip - Alexandria Blizzard
- Three-win weekend vaults Phantoms into first place - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- USNTDP players 'equal' to the pros - Yzerman - U.S. National Team
- Kessel, 13 NAHL alumni to help defend world junior title - NAHL
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