Fargo Force Prepare for Western Conference Semifinals
FARGO HOSTS TRI-CITY IN A BEST-OF-5 SERIES BEGINNING SATURDAY, APRIL 20.
FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)–Arguably the biggest sporting event that is happening in Fargo, North Dakota this week is the USHL Western Conference Semifinals. The Fargo Force and Tri-City Storm meet at Scheels Arena Saturday, April 20, to open up their best-of-5 series.
What a season it has been for Fargo. They own the best regular season in USHL history, countless franchise records, have a Forward in Mac Swanson that is arguably the best player to come through Fargo ever… but guess what, it doesn’t mean a thing without the ring, as the famous saying goes.
Head Coach Brett Skinner shared his thoughts on the series with Tri-City.
“Tri-City is a very talented team, built very well and have high end talent for sure,” said Skinner. “Their coach is very experienced in the league and has won a lot of games, so they are coached very well. It is gonna be a really tough test for us. You build rivalries within season no matter what. We know it’s gonna be a tough test and they’re a very talented team, but at the same time, I don’t expect any lack of competition from either team.”
Goaltender Hampton Slukynsky has been atop a lot of statistical categories all season long in his first season in Fargo. He believes the team is ready for this series.
“I think we’re pretty confident heading in,” said Slukynsky. “I mean, we had a pretty good stretch here to end the year there, so I think we’re feeling good. We’ve had a good week of practice and we’ve played tri city six times, pretty even matchups. Last time they kind of got the better of us. So, I think we’re kind of looking for a little revenge here. We’ll be ready for Saturday.”
The Force and Tri-City have a little bit of history. Last season, the Force beat the Storm in this exact same round en route to their 2nd place finish in the playoffs, losing to Youngstown. This season, though the Force own by far the best record in the league (50-10-2), they split their six games with the Storm.
The Storm are surely coming for their revenge this season, but this Force team is taking a game-by-game approach and believe they are built to be champions.
“I don’t think you can take anything away from last year’s team,” said Coach Skinner. “For us, it’s a different season [though]. We’re really looking forward to that first game. We’re not really thinking about trying to outdo last year’s team… we haven’t all year. Our mindset is just that first game of the playoffs for us.”
Slukynsky added, “I think just our will to win. I think the boys will do anything to win. [They will] block shots, get pucks out… do whatever it takes. I think that’ll be huge for us in the playoffs. Just doing whatever it takes.”
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Game one is set for Saturday, April 20, at 6:05 P.M. at Scheels Arena. Game two will also be in Fargo on Monday night.
