Force Goaltender Commits to University of North Dakota

Press Release

 The Fargo Force announced that goaltender Cam Johnson has committed to play collegiate hockey at the University of North Dakota beginning in the fall of 2014.

Johnson posted a 14-8-6 record with a 3.10 GAA and .908 SV% in his first USHL season.  During his USHL debut on September 28th he made 24 saves in a 3-2 overtime win against the Sioux City Musketeers to earn his first win.  He made a season high 50 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Sioux Falls Stampede on November 21st.  The Troy, Michigan native won each of his last six starts on the road, posting a 2.12 GAA and .929 SV% over those victories.

The 18-year-old Johnson was key for the Force during the postseason as he helped them reach the Clark Cup Final series.  He posted a 4-3 record with a 2.40 GAA and .931 SV% while also earning a shutout during the Western Conference Final series when he stopped all 31 shots in the Game Three victory against Sioux Falls.

Johnson joins Fargo Force teammate Charlie Pelnik who is also committed to the University of North Dakota, along with 13 other players who competed in the USHL this season; Jack Rowe (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Luke Voltin (Des Moines Buccaneers), Nick Schmaltz (Green Bay Gamblers), Luke Johnson (Lincoln Stars), Paul LaDue (Lincoln Stars), Shane Gersich (Omaha Lancers), Tucker Poolman (Omaha Lancers), Ryan Mantha (Sioux City Musketeers), Trevor Olson (Sioux City Musketeers), Austin Poganski (Tri-City Storm), Gage Ausmus (Team USA), Keaton Thompson (Team USA), Chris Wilkie (Team USA),

The University of North Dakota had 13 USHL alumni on their roster during the 2012-13 season; Derek Forbort (Team USA), Joe Gleason (Des Moines Buccaneers), Danny Kristo (Omaha Lancers), Nick Mattson (Indiana Ice), Andrew Panzarella (Waterloo/Tri-City/Des Moines), Michael Parks (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Colten St. Clair (Fargo Force), Dan Senkbeil (Chicago/Youngstown), Rocco Grimaldi (Team USA), Jordan Schmaltz (Green Bay/Sioux City), Bryn Chyzyk (Fargo Force), Zane Gothberg (Fargo Force), and Drake Caggiula (Des Moines Buccaneers).

In addition, UND head coach Dave Hakstol spent four seasons (1996-2000) coaching in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)