The Grand Forks Herald is reporting that Dean Blais has resigned as head coach of the Fargo Force. Blais, who led the expansion Force to the Clark Cup finals (USHL) this season, is expected to be named head coach of the University of Nebraska-Omaha later today.
This will be a great move for UNO. Blais brings a stellar coaching resume plus excellent insight to the game. An old time type coach, he stresses aggressive puck pursuit at both ends of the ice and all of his teams are extremely hard working. Not a micromanager, Blais eschews video and detailed systems for a more reactionary style. The former University of North Dakota coach will bring this up tempo style to UNO (potentially headed to the WCHA) and will likely find great success there. He was recently selected to coach Team USA at the upcoming World Junior Championships in Saskatchewan.
