Alex Iafallo finally with the Force

Alexander Iafallo could have been on the Force roster six months ago. Fargo was in need of a roster addition mid-season and Iafallo nearly became that player.

“We actually invited him to our team in December to finish the season with us,” Assistant Coach/Director of Player Personnel Jesse Davis said. “They thought about it really hard and wanted to do it, but school was an issue. He kind of wanted to stay and graduate.”

Things didn’t work out last season, but both sides left a deep impression on one another. The Force told him that if he was available, they’d take him in the draft. It turned out Fargo wasn’t the only organization after the high-end forward. They drafted him 24^th overall and it is a good thing that they did. The next three teams had all expressed interest in the forward from Eden, New York.

“I am thrilled because I’ve wanted to come play in Fargo since they asked in December,” said Iafallo. “I researched the program and spoke with some of my friends in the USHL and they all said it’s a great place to play.”

Iafallo had a stellar season with the Buffalo Regals in the Tier 1 Midget Major league. He netted 15 goals and tacked on 21 assists for 36 points in 39 games last season. He was one of the top players in the league and is primed to make the jump to the USHL.

“We tell kids, when you dominate one level you’re definitely ready for the next,” said Davis. “In our opinion he pretty much dominated Midget AAA last year. So, we feel he’s going to step right in a little bit easier than maybe some of the other guys that are coming from Midgets or high school or prep school.”

Even with the high talent level and high praise, Iafallo understands there is a lot of work to be done to succeed at the next level. There is a lot of lifting, a lot of practicing, a lot of traveling, and a lot of games in the USHL. Like many highly-talented players, he is ready for the challenge.

“I need to continue building on my strength and speed,” said Iafallo. “I workout on my own and in small groups with a trainer, but I am looking forward to working out efficiently with the team in a more structured off-ice program.”

Take a player with a lot of talent and combine him with a player with a strong desire to play in both ends of the rink and you’ve got someone like Iafallo. He says his best attributes are that he is unselfish and he is smart with the puck. He hates getting scored on and understands how important face-offs are. Throw in that high hockey IQ and you’ve got an exciting prospect.

“We’re looking for him to kind of do the same things Jordan Nelson is going to be able to do,” Davis said. “Maybe not right off the get with the transition to junior hockey and long games, older guys, the bus, and all that stuff, but in the end he should be pretty good.”

The Fargo Force organization was surprised that he was still around for their second round pick and couldn’t be happier to have him. He thought he would get drafted in the third or fourth round, but Iafallo is just as excited that things finally worked out and he can finally come to Fargo.

“I look forward to playing in an atmosphere where everyone on the team is determined to win and all of the fans are cheering for us,” Iafallo said. “I can’t wait to score my first goal in the USHL in Scheels Arena.”

–

By: Tim How