The Fargo Force are bolstering their blue line for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The Force acquired Moorhead native defenseman, Sam Laurila, from the Sioux City Musketeers in a trade. Fargo sent 2025 Phase One and Phase Two draft picks to Sioux City in exchange for Laurila.
“Having grown up in the Moorhead Youth Hockey system, Sam is a player we know extremely well and have hoped he’d be in a Force uniform one day. We are thrilled that has come to fruition with this trade,” said Force GM Cary Eades. “With 2 years of USHL experience under his belt, as well as many international tournaments, Sam should provide veteran leadership to our defensive corp this season. I know Sam and his family are very excited that he will be coming home after spending the past 2 years in Plymouth, Michigan with the National Program.”
He spent the past two seasons with the USA NTDP totaling 95 games played. Laurila scored seven goals and recorded 19 assists for 26 total points during his time with the National Development Team.
A 2006 birth year, Laurila has helped secure three gold medals for Team USA (2022 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament, 2023 Under-17 Five National Tournament, and 2023 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament). Additionally, he has two silver medals with Team USA from the 2024 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament and the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.
“We are excited to be a part of the continued development process for Sam in the USHL,” commented Force Head Coach Brett Skinner. “Being from the area, it will be great to have him not only in an environment he can continue to grow as a hockey player but be close to family and friends. We are excited for Sam not only because of the quality of player but also for him to be able to rely on his experiences for leadership for this coming seasons’ team.”
The left shot blue liner is joining Fargo for his third USHL season. The Force will begin their Clark Cup Championship defense on Friday, September 27 at Scheels Arena against the USA Hockey NTDP at 7:05 p.m.
