Force post first win in Steve Johnson era

The Fargo Force defeated the Lincoln Stars 5-2 in the home opener Friday, October 2 at the Urban Plains Center. The win marked the first win for the Force in the Steve Johnson era, who took his new team to a victory against his old team.

3,156 fans braved the muddy parking lots as construction on the parking lot was halted as Mother Nature was not able to cooperate with original plans. The parking lot is expected to be finished by the next Force home game on October 9. That game will be played against their I-29 rival, the Sioux Falls Stampede.

The Force were led by Nate Schmidt with two blasts from the point that found the back of the net. Grant Scott and Gavin Hartzog also scored for the Force, and Joe Rehkamp added a empty net power play goal late to put the icing on the cake. Nate Condon and Corey Leivermann also added assists for the Force in the win. Cody Campbell didn't see a lot of action, stopping 12 of 14 Lincoln shots.

The Force play their second game of the season tonight in Sioux Falls, against the Stampede. That game will be broadcast on 740 The Fan. 7:05 is the game time for that one.