FARGO, ND – The Fargo Force in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin have announced today, May 25, 2023, that Force Head Coach, Nick Oliver has accepted the role of Assistant Coach for the University of Wisconsin Badgers Men's Hockey Program.
 
"I couldn't be more grateful and appreciative for the opportunity to have served as the Head Coach in Fargo," said Nick. "This organization and community mean a great deal to my family, both in my time as a player and coach. Fargo is a model organization for the USHL and provided our staff with first-class professionalism and support. I'm very proud of what we were able to accomplish this season and would like to thank the players for taking our staff on an incredible ride. I'm excited to watch the tradition of success and development continue in the years to come."
 
In his rookie year as Head Coach Nick led the Force to one of their best seasons in franchise history, their 40-14-4-4 regular season record broke the team's single season wins record and points record, as well as setting coaching records for highest single season win percentage, and most wins by a Head Coach & Rookie Head Coach. He also helped the Force claim the Anderson Cup Championship for the first time in franchise history and secured the team's 6^th Western Conference Championship title during the 2023 Clark Cup Playoff run. His success in his first season earned him the prestigious title of 2022-23 United States Hockey League, Coach of the Year.
 
"We couldn't be more excited for Nick," commented Fargo Force President Jon Kram. "He is an outstanding coach and person; he made a big impact during his time here and we wish him all the best in his new role at Wisconsin."
 
Nick will join hockey legend and newly appointed Badgers Head Coach Mike Hastings as well as Associate Head Coach, Tod Knott. Current Force players committed to Wisconsin include Joe Palodichuk, Owen Mehlenbacher, Anton Castro and Tanner Walos.
 
"This is a developmental league," said Force Minority Owner Matt Cullen. "Nick is top notch coach with a bright future ahead of him. To have that level of success in your first year as a USHL Head Coach is pretty special, so it's no surprise that a program like Wisconsin would want him on board. We are proud of what he's done here in Fargo and look forward to seeing what he achieves in the future."
 
The 2023 Fargo Force Tryout Camps are June 1-7 and are free and open to the public, stay tuned via the Fargo Force website and social media for the full Tryout Camp Schedule!