Co-op still possible between South, Shanley hockey teams

Fargo Shanley appears to be softening its stance against the possibility of a boys hockey co-op with Fargo South.

A day after the Fargo School Board re-affirmed its decision to separate South and Fargo Davies into two varsity teams next year, Deacons activities director Randy Nelson and Bruins activities director Cory Lehman on Wednesday made plans to talk over the futures of their respective programs.

And those futures could be intertwined.

"I guess the door is open to possibly discussing a co-op," Nelson said. "I don't think we have shut that door. We have to wait to see what direction South is going. I think they have to make a decision if they want to stand alone or do they want to co-op?"

Nelson said in February that Shanley was not interested in a hockey co-op.

However, a recent survey of potential hockey players showed the Deacons might not have the numbers to field a team.

Nelson said the survey found 12 skaters and a goaltender interested in playing at Shanley next year. In addition, Nelson said five freshmen showed interest in playing varsity hockey for the Deacons.

"I think now that we have sat down with our parents and showed them what it looks like on paper, and told them our options (there is less opposition)," Nelson said. "Is it their No. 1 solution? No. But they know it's something we have to look at."

Lehman said a survey of potential South hockey players showed interest from 28 students.

Of those students, five are goaltenders.

A South-Shanley co-op would likely encounter a few roadblocks.

The Bruins and Deacons would combine to have 19 seniors on the roster.

Some of those players could be forced to play on a junior varsity team next year.

Lehman said he has not dropped his junior varsity schedule for next season, despite the possibility that South may not have the numbers to put a team on the ice. Without a co-op, South would not have a junior varsity.

The varsity would also likely carry only two goaltenders, forcing several players to a junior varsity or a non-high school affiliated team.

"Here is the point: on paper, (28 players) looks golden," Lehman said. "When it actually comes to the day people show up, we don't know how many we will get."

If South and Shanley do not submit a request to the North Dakota High School Activities Association by September 1, the request must go before the NDHSAA executive board before it is passed along to the full board for a vote.

The schools will be required to pay a $500 late fee because the co-op request did not occur before the end of the hockey season.

Nelson said he would like to figure things out as soon as possible.

Until a decision is made, Nelson said Shanley continues to move forward with plans for its own varsity team.

"The bottom line is that, we at Shanley, want to be able to provide opportunities for our students to play hockey," Nelson said. "What direction that goes is yet to be determined."

Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562