Kolin Sisson joins me to discuss his mid-season trade to Fargo, his time in the USHL and his upcoming commitment to Providence College.
The Fargo Force are looking to bring home a third Clark Cup in franchise history, currently waiting to see who they will square off with in the second round after securing a bye in the United States Hockey League’s Western Conference.
The Force finished the regular season with a record of 38-19-3-2, good for 81 points. Throughout the season, the Force added their roster to try and bolster their lineup, hoping for a long playoff run come springtime.
One of the mid-season additions was forward Kolin Sisson, who was acquired from the Chicago Steel on January 29. At the time of the trade, Sisson was leading the Steel in points with 33 through 38 games.
Since being picked up by the Force, the 19-year-old has taken his game to a new level, recording seven goals and 17 assists across 21 games to finish his third USHL season with a career high in goals with 21, assists with 36 and points with 57. The 57 points is also good for the team lead among all Force skaters, a sign of just how strong a fit between player and club the acquisition was.
“It’s nice when production starts to go your way. The last couple years were more difficult, so it’s honestly a very accomplished feeling. In the past three years, I’ve tried to get better every day, so to finally start to put up better numbers has been nice,” Sisson said.
Getting dealt mid-season can be difficult on players who have to pack up and adjust to a new city, teammates and systems. Sisson spoke about how he has been able to adjust to his new surroundings.
“I think it’s been fine because of the good people that have surrounded me here in Fargo. There’s been a lot of people in this organization that have put resources into me becoming a better player,” Sisson said. “There’s a ton of amazing humans and players here, so that’s been super helpful. The transition hasn’t been too bad, and I feel like it’s showing on the ice.”
Sisson has seen his point total rise in each of his three seasons, posting 23 in his rookie campaign, then 27, and this year’s 57. During an interview, Sisson touched on how he feels his game has evolved over his time in the USHL.
“I’ve just tried to put a lot of work in, especially in the gym, to get myself a lot stronger. It’s been helpful for me when it comes to creating plays, whether it’s in the corner or using my speed that I’ve gained,” Sisson said. “I’ve put a lot of work in the past three years to improve on areas that I haven’t been as strong at growing up. I’ve adapted my game to continue to grow, and it’s helped me have a better year.”
The Force have found their success this season working as a complete unit. The Force allowed the second-fewest goals in the entire USHL and the fewest in the Western Conference, something that head coach Brett Skinner has had the club working towards. The defensive prowess that comes playoff time is something Sisson believes will help them be ready for the challenge of postseason hockey.
“One of the first things I was told when I got here is that coach Skinner is working to build our team from the back end. We have a really talented defense core and great goaltending. We put a lot of work into our details in the defensive zone at practice,” Sisson said. “When we play really well defensively, we generate offense from that. If we can lock the game down in our end, I think that’s what is going to help us win a championship.”
Sisson has his eyes set on claiming a Clark Cup, something that would be a big moment in the forward’s junior hockey career.
“I want to win a championship,” Sisson said. “At the end of the day, that’s the most important thing, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get there.
Sisson, a native of Rhode Island, will be returning to his home state when the time comes to take the next step in his hockey career. Sisson has committed to Providence College, joining the Frias’ hockey program in the ever-so competitive Hockey East conference.
“I think going back home is one of the coolest things for me. A lot of people, including my parents, brothers and grandma, put in work to help me get to where I am, so to be able to return home and play in front of them is super cool, and a dream come true,” Sisson said. “The staff and the facilities seem great, so I’m really excited to play there.”