Welcome to Icings... with Ice Time ND On line Magazine Editor, Scott A. Strande

With summer in full swing, it sometimes is hard to get in hockey mode! However this fall hockey in North Dakota may be one of the most exciting ever. Here is just a sample of what is to come in September!

First, the Fargo-Moorhead area will welcome the return of the USHL with the birth of the Fargo Force, set to begin play this season. Although the team will not play a home game until October 30th, while they wait for their new home to be completed, they figure to be better than most expansion teams.  The Force will be coached by one of North Dakota's favorite son's Dean Blais who will return to coach in North Dakota for the first time since leaving the University of North Dakota five years ago.

Second, several former Fighting Sioux players are set to make their mark in the National Hockey League.  Jonathan Toews has recently been named captain of the Chicago Blackhawks in just his second professional season, while T.J. Oshie is expected to make and be a key part of the 2008-09 St. Louis Blues.  Throw in the continued growth of Zach Parise and Travis Zajac in New Jersey, the arrival of Taylor Chorney in Edmonton, Brian Lee in Ottawa and you have a solid contingent of green and white to follow in the NHL.

Third, the incoming group of freshman to UND will know doubt provide optimism for yet another run at a trip to the NCAA Frozen Four next April. This year's class is loaded with talent with the likes of David Toews and others donning the Sioux head logo for the first time.

Finally, North Dakota High School Hockey got a big boost when Bismarck named Mike Peluso and Dane Litke co-coaches for the upcoming season.

Don't miss any of the action with Ice Time Hockey ND all season long!