Jets One Win Away from 100th
Published on December 26, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) With stomachs still bulging with holiday hams, and minds pre-occupied with new toys the Fargo-Moorhead Jets and the rest of the North American Hockey League return to action this week after a few days off for family.
And for the FM Jets, they are not only returning after their holiday break, but jumping right into drama and intrigued that has had time to build up. The FM Jets (20-8-4) put their first place standing in the Central Division on the line when they face the Southern Minnesota Express (17-9-4) in a two-game series at the Carlson Coliseum on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Southern Minnesota is in second place in the division, trailing the FM Jets by four-points, but have been arguably the division's best team since the middle of November. Southern Minnesota has gone 11-2-3 in their last 16 games and will attempt to overtake the FM Jets, who have been in first place for all but seven days this season.
"Right now, the Express is the hottest team in our division and its up to us to hold on and earn first place...it's a challenge the team has wanted" said Jets' head coach Johnson. "Both teams have been off for more than a week, so their may be some rust, but it shouldn't be a factor in the outcome because both teams are in a similar situation."
Along with trying to hold on to first place, the FM Jets will also be looking to once again pave new ground for junior A hockey in the Red River Valley. Thanks to three consecutive wins prior to their holiday break, the FM Jets are at 99 victories all time (regular season and post-season), and with their next win, will reach the 100 win plateau.
By comparison, the USHL's Ice Sharks and Bears combined to win 112 over the course of five seasons, with neither franchise winning 100 on their own.
"We have many veterans who have been a part of many of these wins, and the rookies have latched on to the goal has well, so it is something that the team is aiming for" added Johnson.
Nevertheless, the 100th victory in franchise-history is still taking a back-seat to the overriding prize that comes with this two-game series versus Southern Minnesota, as Johnson added, "100th win or not, the main objective is to add to the lead in the division."
In any case, the FM Jets are hoping that a solid post-holiday run is in the cards for them this season, with two games against Southern Minnesota and another at Bismarck on New Years Eve this week.
The post-holiday schedule was where the FM Jets made a significant move a season ago, by winning five straight in a Christmas cookie fueled frenzy that was only a sign of things to come.
Riding the Midnight Bus The FM Jets will turn their clocks from 2005 to 2006 while riding the team bus back from Bismarck on Saturday. The FM Jets face their North Dakota rivals in a 7:05pm game on new Years' Eve.
Last Week (0-0-0) No Games Played; Holiday Break
This Week
Wed. Dec. 28 vs. Southern Minnesota 7:05pm (CST)
Thurs. Dec. 29 vs. Southern Minnesota 7:05pm (CST)
Sat. Dec. 31 @ 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 Today's Hot New Country 103.9 THE TRUCK and sportsjuice.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 26, 2005
- Jets One Win Away from 100th - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Jets Player Scores for Team USA - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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.
