WEST FARGO, N.D. -- On the surface, West Fargo's run to this year's North Dakota state boys hockey tournament could be considered a bit of a surprise.
After all, the Packers had not made state since 2003. And the team needed to defeat Grand Forks Red River for the first time in its history to advance.
But the signs were there with a deeper look.
"Every June, I have the incoming players fill out their goals," said West Fargo co-coach Tim Capouch, whose team plays Bismarck at noon today in the first round of the state tournament at Ralph Engelstad Arena. "Last year's goals were to win seven games and be .500. With this year's team, this year's goal was to definitely make the state tournament by just about all of them."
A cool streak
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West Fargo showed its promise with a 3-0 start. However, a five-game winless streak followed to bring expectations crashing back down to earth.
The Packers pulled things together by the end of the year, winning seven of their last eight games heading into state.
"Now we're looking to compete and go out there and play our best," senior defenseman Derek Sand said. "All pressure is off us. Now we just want to go out there and have fun."
Staying steady
Capouch said consistency is the reason for West Fargo's late-season success.
"We're not making as many mistakes as we have been in games before," Capouch said.
West Fargo defeated Bismarck 2-1 in the first game of the regular season. The Packers would face Eastern Dakota Conference rival Fargo South or Williston in the semifinals.
Scoring's up
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West Fargo (15-6-3) scored 4.3 goals per game during the EDC tournament. It was a goal more than the team averaged during the regular season.
"Our job is definitely not done going into state," Sand said. "We're feeling pretty confident. Hopefully, we can keep our run going and get to the state championship."
