The Fargo Force went back to its roots Friday night against the Chicago Steel. A rock solid defensive effort and a big night from Corey Leivermann paced the way for the home team. Fargo allowed just 12 shots on goal and Leivermann scored twice and added two assists in the 4-1 victory.

After a scoreless first period, Grafton native Chad Demers got the scoring going in the second period. Demers found the back of the net on the power play with Leivermann and Cole Gunner assisting on the tally. It was the first of three power play goals for the Force and the first of three assists for Gunner.

The power play kept rolling when Leivermann netted a goal just less than two minutes later. Alex Lippincott and Gunner added assists on the goal. On top of the great offensive night for Leivermann, he also got in a fight during the game.

The Force power play kept clicking in the third period. Nate Condon netted a power play goal and Leivermann added an assist. Late in the game, Leivermann added yet another power play goal with an assist to Gunner. On top of a red-hot power play, the Force penalty kill was fabulous in the game, killing all five chances the Steel had.

With just over a minute and a half left, Mark Adams ruined the shutout attempt of Cody Campbell. Campbell stopped 11 of 12 shots in the game. Nick Pisellini kicked out 31 shots in a losing effort for Chicago.

The Force and Steel will return to the ice Saturday to complete the two game set. Fargo will look to continue their outstanding special teams play and great defense in game two of the weekend.

By Tim How