Tue, May 9th, 2023 - 2:41pm
May 31, 2023 - 12:32pm | By Jace Denman
Wednesday, May 31 the Fargo Force announced Brett Skinner as the team’s new Head Coach.
Skinner comes to the Force with 5 years of USHL Coaching experience having served as the Assistant Coach of the Sioux Falls Stampede from 2017-2022. There Skinner helped guide the Stampede to a Clark Cup Championship during the 2018-19 season.
In 2022 Skinner was named the Head Coach of the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL. Skinner led the Wilderness to a 35-18-3-4 record during the regular season, and to the NAHL Robertson Cup Semi-Finals for the first time since the Wilderness won it back in 2014-15. He was also selected as the Head Coach of the Midwest Team in the 2022-23 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.
“We are excited to have Brett joining us as the 9th Head Coach in franchise history,” commented Fargo Force President Jon Kram. “He’s had a lot of success both as a player and a coach, we look forward to seeing what he brings to the Force.”
A native of Brandon, Manitoba, Skinner made his USHL debut back in 2000 as an Alternate Captain for the Des Moines Buccaneers. His impressive playing career then led him to the University of Denver where he won two National Championships. His 12 seasons playing at the professional level include a stint in the NHL with the New York Islanders, an AHL Calder Cup Championship with the Grand Rapids Griffins and a European pro league title while playing in the Czech Republic.
“Brett has experience playing/coaching at every level of the game,” said Force minority owner, Matt Cullen. “His hockey knowledge and background will be a great asset to our players and organization as we continue to develop, we’re excited to see what he accomplishes here in Fargo.”
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to be the next Head Coach of the Fargo Force,” said Skinner. “The Force have established themselves as the premier location for player development in the USHL and I’m excited to be a part of that process. With amazing facilities and great fans as well as the off ice resources the Force can provide it is a great environment for all players to develop. It is a tremendous opportunity to continue my personal development as a coach surrounded by so much hockey experience in an organization that has a strong winning tradition.”
2023 Fargo Force Tryout Camps begin Friday, June 2nd, all games are free and open to the public, stay tuned via Fargo Force social media for the full camp schedule!
