Birkholz in action with the Fargo Force in the USHL Playoffs
in 2009. (Photo: Shane Kvalevog)
Former Fargo Force speedster Josh Birkholz has left the University of Minnesota in favor of the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. Birkholz’s announcement came on the same day Gopher defenseman Nick Leddy announced that he has agreed to terms to join the Chicago Blackhawks.
In his first and only season with Minnesota, Birkholz played in 36 games and gathered in five goals and one assist while posting a plus-3 plus/minus rating. He spent most of his time playing wing on the third and fourth lines, and seemed to gain confidence as the season progressed. In the end, Birkholz told the Minnesota Hockey Journal that Everett will be the best place to further his hockey career.
While with the Fargo franchise for their inaugural season, Birkholz was third in the team in points. He netted 21 goals and added 15 assists for 36 regular season points in 55 contests. In the postseason, Birkholz added a pair of assists and three goals in nine games. The Maple Grove, Minn. native was a fan favorite in the first season of Force hockey.
Now, the Florida Panthers draft pick will get to play 72 games this season and hone his skills under a former National Hockey League coach. Craig Hartsburg played in NHL with the Minnesota Northstars and was once head coach of the Ottawa Senators and Chicago. This will be Hartsburg’s second season as the head coach in Everett.
According to Minnesota head coach Don Lucia, Birkholz was facing a suspension for violating team rules. Birkholz told the Minnesota Hockey Journal that he had been pondering a move to the WHL and the recent violation of team rules had no bearing on his decision.
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