North Dakota Rivalry Renewed This Weekend
October 11, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Fargo-Moorhead Jets News Release
Fargo (ND) If there is such as thing as love at first site, the Fargo-Moorhead Jets and Bismarck Bobcats definitely experienced it back in 2003. That was the year the FM Jets were started and quickly the teams had travel partners and a built in geographic rivalry. However, much like a young couple that spends too much time together; it didn't take long for the FM Jets and Bismarck Bobcats to grow tired and irritable with each other. Then end result has been a bitter rivalry that enters its fourth season of games this evening.
Since 2003, the teams have each won a first round playoff series, had Chad Johnson go from being Bismarck's head coach to the FM Jets' bench boss and almost evenly split the all-time series.
This weekend, the teams begin their fourth season of this rivalry, with two games at the Carlson Coliseum. It's the first set of 14 meetings between the North Dakota Rivals. The FM Jets (5-4-0, 10pts) and Bismarck (6-4-1, 13pts) face-off at 7:35pm on Friday, with a 7:05pm face-off set for Saturday.
This is the first match-up since the FM Jets' defeated Bismarck three games-to-one in the first round of last season's North American Hockey League postseason.
In 45 encounters in the regular season and playoffs, the FM Jets and Bismarck Bobcats have almost had a dead-even split. The FM Jets are 23-20-2 all-time against their rivals. However, the FM Jets have struggled at the Carlson Coliseum against Bismarck with a 9-13-1 mark. In fact, Bismarck won all six of the regular season meetings at the Carlson Coliseum last year and seven of the last eight overall.
Not only is this the renewal of the North Dakota rivalry, but the weekend series comes with first place on the line. Bismarck enters the weekend with 13-points and in first place in the Central Division. The FM Jets are in third place with 10-points.
Bismarck has dropped four of their last five games, after winning five straight to take over first place in the Central Division.
More Promotions Planned
It's a giveaway weekend and FM Jets' fans will be the beneficiaries of the team's generous mood. The first 1,000 fans to the game on Friday night will receive a colorful FM Jets' schedule poster. Then on Saturday, the first 1,000 fans will receive the 2006-2007 FM Jets' magnetic schedule.
In addition, all fans are encouraged to wear black to the game on Friday in honor of "Friday the 13th"
The FM Jets Junior A Hockey Club is in its fourth 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 31st 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 audiosportsonline.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2006
- U.S. Nat'l Under-17 Team Travels To The Upper Peninsula Of Michigan To Take On Rangers - U.S. National Team
- North Dakota Rivalry Renewed This Weekend - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Gold vs. Black Game October 17 - Bismarck Bobcats
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