FARGO — After scoring a state-record 59 goals last season in high school for West Fargo, Fargo Force forward Bryce Mattern is off to a hot start in the USHL preseason. The 17-year-old, part of a large regional contingent on the team, scored twice in a 4-1 win over Omaha last Saturday.

“Obviously it’s awesome to get your first USHL goal, and it felt awesome to get the first one,” Mattern said after Tuesday’s practice at Farmers Union Insurance Arena in Fargo.

He’s batting 50%, with four shots on goal through three games, all wins by Fargo.

Along with Moorhead-based players Brooks Cullen, Zac Zimmerman, Aaron Reierson, Garrett Lindberg, Fargo's Zaide Penner and former Grand Forks Red River forward Mikey Coleman, his acclimation to the USHL comes with familiar faces.

“I grew up playing ho

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