Fargo Force Ready for 2024-25 Season; Home Opener Friday

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) –Two games into the United State Hockey League (USHL) season, the Fargo Force are 1-1. Coming off a historic season that broke the league record for wins and ended with a championship, the Force now look to build on that with a new team.

After a roster that had five All-USHL team members by seasons end a season ago, they have all hit the college ice leading to a new wave of skaters and goalies for Fargo to step up this season.

The highest point total returning is Reid Daavettila who notched 30 points as a 4th line forward last season. Through two games this season, he leads the team in goals with three and is ready to take on more responsibility in year three in the league, and second with the Force.

“Last year I was a 4th line guy, this year, I feel like I can use my role from last year and put it into my role this year,” said Daavettila. “This year I am more of a top-6 player. I am still going to be working hard and lead by example.”

“There is a lot of leadership in that locker room,” said second-year head coach Brett Skinner. “Reid, certainly, is one of those guys. Reid is going to lead the way with his play for sure. He is one of those kids that is always going to be on the right side of the puck. He can check and can get pucks back. I think he has really taken a step where he can grow some confidence offensively.”

In goal, last season’s USHL goaltender of the year, Warroad, Minnesota native, Hampton Slukynsky is now a freshman at Western Michigan. Anton Castro, who made 31 starts in net himself and was top-5 in the league in goal against average in his own right, is now at Wisconsin. Alan Lendak and Dane Callaway are the new netminders and Lendak got the first two starts this season allowing three goals in two games for a 1.52 average, which, of course very early in the year, ranks top-10 in the league.

“I think especially for a young guy in this league, coming in and being calm, he had good poise,” said Skinner on Lendak’s opening weekend. “He is also athletic. He can make the big save. He is a competitive guy and is competitive in practice. There is a lot to like about that first weekend.”

Friday night, the Force will not only be holding their home opener. After a season that set a championship standard, the team is geared up for trying to reach their goals. 

“You have to talk about the standard, but you are also realistic with what is in front of you,” said Skinner. “There is a lot more teaching. If last year’s group started at level three, and we are starting at level one, let’s just build it up from there. We have that daily mentality to try to get better.

The Force will also raise their newest banners in Scheels Arena on Friday night, celebrating the historic championship 2023-24 season.

“The amount of banners we get to raise, including organization of the year, I think it means a lot to people around here,” said Skinner. “It will be a special night for sure. You have to celebrate success. You have to make sure you enjoy those moments because it is really hard and there are a lot of people who push to make those situations come true.”

The Force drop the puck at Scheels Arena Friday, September 27, at 7:05 P.M.

Last season’s team and league MVP, Mac Swanson (current UND hockey forward), will be in attendance to drop the puck.