On Nov. 26, the Fargo North boys hockey team took on the West Fargo Packers for the North home opener, and first EDC game of the year. The Spartans came out fired up in the first period, and Owen Bartz put in the first goal of the game on a power play. Shortly after, while West Fargo was on their own power play on a penalty from Wyatt Johnson, they tied the game up. The first period ended 1-1. Bartz later damaged his wrist after a cheap shot into the boards, resulting in a 5 plus 10 minute major for West Fargo. Bartz would not return for the remainder of the game.
The second period leaned more towards the side of West Fargo. They were winning races to the pucks and appeared to outwork the Spartans, but North was not about to be pushed over. They battled hard, but the period resulted in a 2-1 lead for the Packers.
At the beginning of the third, the Spartans came out strong looking to tie up the game. But penalties and errors did not allow them to do that. Instead West Fargo capitalized on the mistakes North had made, and scored 3 unanswered goals. With less than five minutes to play senior captain Caleb Fritel scored for the Spartans, ending the game 5-2 in favor of the Packers.