Force's Knuble Named Team USA Junior Player of the Year

Thursday, May 25, USA Hockey announced their annual awards, the prestigious list included Force Forward, Cole Knuble, as the 2023 Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year.

The Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award, is presented annually to the most outstanding American-born player in Junior Hockey. This award is chosen by a panel of junior coaches and administrators, and named after Dave Tyler, who served on USA Hockey's board of directors for 32 years, he played an instrumental role in the development and growth of junior hockey in the United States. Previous players that have
received this award include Jake Sanderson, Jack Hughes, Blake Colman and more, Cole is the first player in franchise history to receive this award.

Knuble had a record setting year for the Force. During the regular season, he led the team in scoring with 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points in just 57 games and a 1.16PPG average, contributing to the Force's 40-14-4-4 record and helming the team claim the Anderson Cup for the first time in franchise history. His outstanding play in earned him a spot on the All-USHL First Team and Forward of the Week Honors in Week 18. In the playoffs he added 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 total points. All 9 of those points came during the Western Conference Finals series vs. the Lincoln Stars earning him USHL Conference Finals Forward of the Week.
Cole wears the "A" for the Force and was selected to Captain Team USA at the World Jr. A Championship. There he led his team in scoring with 2 goals and 6 assists and helped claim the 9th World Junior A Challenge Championship Title in US history. He also earned the honor of Tournament MVP, the first time an American player has earned that honor since 2013. He also represented the Force at the 2023 BioSteel All-American Game, a showcase featuring 40 of the top USA-born prospects that are eligible for the upcoming NHL draft.

Cole's play and character also earned him the prestigious United States Hockey League Curt Hammer Award, an honor given to one USHL player annually who distinguishes himself both on and off the ice by demonstrating outstanding performance skills, pride, and determination.

"This award caps off an unbelievable career in junior hockey for Cole", said Force GM Cary Eades. "His consistent high level of play led Fargo to our 1st  ever Anderson Cup Championship this season, as well as captaining the USA team to the World Junior A Challenge title in December. He has tremendous work ethic as he brings it to the rink everyday, which is a big reason why his game continues to improve and evolve. We are extremely proud of all of Cole's accomplishments in a Force jersey." 

Following his junior hockey career Knuble is committed to play D1 College Hockey at the University of Notre Dame.