The Fargo Force made a trio of trades prior to the start of the 2024-25 USHL season
The defending Clark Cup-champion Fargo Force made three separate trades prior to the start of the 2024-25 season at the USHL Classic.
Fargo acquired forward Jordan Ronn from Sioux City, forward Eero Butella from Waterloo, and defenseman Drew Mackie from Muskegon.
In the deal with the Musketeers, Fargo sent a seventh-round pick in the USHL Phase II Draft. From Waterloo, the Force also acquired a sixth-round pick in the USHL Phase I Draft while sending forward Sam Huck and a fourth-round pick in the Phase I Draft to the Black Hawks. Finally, in the deal with the Lumberjacks, the Force sent a fifth-round pick in the Phase I Draft.
Ronn was selected No. 6 overall in the 2023 USHL Phase II Draft and skated in seven games with Sioux City last year. The 5-foot-10 forward registered five points on one goal and four assists. Ronn is currently committed to Minnesota State.
Butella played in 58 games with the Black Hawks last season after originally being taken No. 23 overall in the second round of the 2022 USHL Phase I Draft. The Northeastern commit, listed at 6-foot-3 and 181 pounds, recorded four goals and 10 points in 2023-24.
Mackie spent last year with the NAHL's Aberdeen Wings, where he recorded four goals and 23 assists, making his 27 points tied for the most among defensemen on the roster. The 19-year-old, committed to Notre Dame, was selected No. 13 overall in the first round of this year's Phase II Draft.
The Fargo will open their 2024-25 season against the Green Bay Gamblers at the USHL Fall Classic on Friday, Sept. 20.