Force holds its first practice

Fargo, ND (WDAY Sports) - The sights and sounds of hockey are back. The Fargo Force held its first practice of the fall today in Moorhead. Plenty of new faces on the roster and the coaching staff, Steve Johnson takes over for Dean Blais.

Chad Johnson returns but we learned today that the other assistant Jason Herter has gotten out of hockey and Mark Pivetz has been hired to take his spot.

Pivetz was an assistant coach with Johnson several years ago in Lincoln.

“I coached for dean and played for Dean and Chad and Mark both coached for Dean and Chad and I have coached together and Mark and I have coached together so it's just one big circle and the hockey fraternity is sometimes real small.”

“It's just a matter of wanting to get back in the game and having worked with Steve and Chad it makes it a no brainer to get back into it.”

The Force open their exhibition schedule at home to Sioux Falls Friday night.