Fargo Is A Go

Groundbreaking took place for the Urban Plains Center yesterday in Fargo. Construction is set to start today and should hopefully be done in time for Fargo to start the 2008 USHL hockey season. As previous articles have mentioned, the USHL has failed twice in Fargo, but I believe this time can be different. Not only will they have a shiny new arena, they will also have a coach and GM by the name of Dean Blais. Blais has been very successful at the head coaching job and has compiled 262 career wins at the University of North Dakota, with only 115 losses. I believe the thought of playing for a coach the caliber of Blais' will entice kids to go to Fargo and in turn, will give Fargo some talent.

Berning said Wednesday that the bonding is 95 percent complete. It was enough for the USHL to grant Fargo a new franchise.

“All the paperwork will be signed this week,” said USHL president Gino Gasparini.

“Gino will be getting his check now,” Berning said, referring to the $750,000 USHL franchise fee.

The USHL, a 12-team league that was formed in 1979, is considered the top junior league in the country. Dean Blais, who led the University of North Dakota hockey team to two national titles from 1994 to 2004, has a five-year contract to be coach and general manager for the team.