General | 5/16/2023 10:00:00 AM

     The United States Hockey League and Fargo Force announced Tuesday that forward Cole Knuble has been named the recipient of the 2022–23 USHL Curt Hammer Award.

The Curt Hammer Award has been presented annually since the 1988–89 season to a player who distinguishes himself both on and off the ice throughout the course of the season by demonstrating outstanding performance, leadership, pride and determination.

"We couldn't be more excited that Cole has been named the recipient of this year's Curt Hammer Award," said Fargo Head Coach Nick Oliver. "Cole embodies what this award stands for in every way. His on-ice performance has been well documented this season, but I'm most proud of Cole for the type of person he is and how he lives his life. Cole's impact on his teammates, coaches and the Fargo-Moorhead community during his career has been tremendous. We're excited to watch him continue to be a leader the rest of this season and into his career at Notre Dame."

Knuble, who's in his second season with the Force, registered 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points in 57 games in helping Fargo to a 40-14-4-4 record as the USHL regular-season champions. Knuble, who was rated #105 in the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings, ranked ninth in league scoring and was second in the league in shots on goal (216). The Grand Rapids, Mich., native was named MVP in helping lead the U.S. to Gold at the World Junior A Challenge in Ontario in December and played in the Biosteel All-America Game in January.

""The Fargo Force are extremely proud to have Cole Knuble named as the Curt Hammer Award winner for the 22-23 USHL season" said Fargo GM, Cary Eades. "Cole exemplifies everything Curt Hammer stood for and has made a lasting impact both on and off the ice during his two seasons in Fargo. He is a leader by example. On the ice, his consistent high level of play in all areas is a big reason we won the Anderson Cup and now are in the Clark Cup Finals. His development as a player should guarantee that his name will be called at the NHL Draft at Nashville in June. As importantly, Cole has been a leader for the Force off the ice as well and has contributed to the Fargo/Moorhead area in many ways by donating his time to community and team related activities."­­

Knuble has made a lasting impact both on and off the ice during his time in Fargo. An active member of the Fargo Force Reading Program; a weekly event from November to February where Force players visit classrooms around Fargo/Moorhead and read to students as well as answer questions about themselves and their hockey careers, Knuble has also volunteered at many local non-profits such as Hope Blooms, a company that repurposes old flowers and donates them to nursing homes, hospitals and others in need. He and the team met Eric Bjorlie, a young boy with a rare auto immune disease at the Sanford Children's Hospital where they took him under their wing and gave him the experience of a lifetime. In conjunction with the annual Corgi Races, he helped raise funds and promote the night for Homeward Animal Shelter.  Cole has also spent time volunteering during youth practices at the Cullen Force Academy, a program built to help grow the game of hockey in the FM Arena.

"The USHL is proud to announce Cole Knuble of the Fargo Force as this year's recipient of the Curt Hammer Award," said USHL President and Commissioner Bill Robertson. "Cole embodies everything that is good about the USHL and the criteria for this prestigious award. His competitive play on the ice and outstanding service off the ice is to be commended as this young man has a bright future ahead attending the University of Notre Dame. We wish Cole and all the wonderful USHL nominees the very best with their future pursuits of being student-athletes and playing hockey at the professional level."
 
The first Fargo Force player to receive the Curt Hammer Award, Knuble was named All-USHL First Team this season and in 124 regular-season games during his USHL career­, has registered 50 goals and 66 assists for 116 points.

Curt Hammer was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of hockey in the Des Moines community before succumbing to cancer in 1987. The League established the annual award to honor his commitment to improving the USHL and hockey in his local community.