The Fargo Force have bolstered their blueline after acquiring former NTDP defenseman and North Dakota commit Sam Laurila from the Sioux City Musketeers
The rich get richer. The Fargo Force have acquired defenseman Sam Laurila from the Sioux City Musketeers in exchange for 2025 Phase I and Phase II Draft picks.
The Moorhead, Minnesota, native spent the last two seasons at the U.S. National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan. Laurila was drafted by the Musketeers in the second round, No. 20 overall, in the 2024 USHL Phase II Draft.
"Having grown up in the Moorhead Youth Hockey system, Sam is a player we know extremely well and have hoped he'd be in a Force uniform one day. We are thrilled that has come to fruition with this trade," said Force GM Cary Eades in a statement. "With 2 years of USHL experience under his belt, as well as many international tournaments, Sam should provide veteran leadership to our defensive corp this season. I know Sam and his family are very excited that he will be coming home after spending the past 2 years in Plymouth, Michigan with the National Program."
"We are excited to be a part of the continued development process for Sam in the USHL," said Force Head Coach Brett Skinner. "Being from the area, it will be great to have him not only in an environment he can continue to grow as a hockey player but be close to family and friends. We are excited for Sam not only because of the quality of player but also for him to be able to rely on his experiences for leadership for this coming seasons' team."
The 17-year-old is known for his strong defense, making him one of the top defenders in the league, and his offensive skills are also improving. He scored 26 points with seven goals and 19 assists while playing for the NTDP.
Laurila joins a team with a robust reputation for developing players. In the most recent season, Leo Gruba scored 22 goals and 35 assists for the Force, making him the top-scoring defenseman in the USHL with 57 points. He was named the USHL Defenseman of the Year for 2023-24.
Laurila was ranked as the No. 148 North American skater by Central Scouting for the 2024 NHL Draft, but he went undrafted. He will look to be selected as a re-entry candidate in next year's draft. Laurila committed to North Dakota in August 2023.