A New Force Is Coming to Fayetteville

The hottest news on ice in Fayetteville is the official name of the city's new minor league hockey team.

"The Force" was chosen from a list of 522 nicknames submitted in a community-wide contest.

The fire-breathing logo will represent the Central Hockey League's 11th and newest franchise. Force spokesman Ted Cox said the name would help the club sell their name to fans.

"It gives us something we can take and merchandise to the public, and people will recognize it," he said. "And it will create the identity for the franchise."

The Fayetteville Force will open their inaugural season this fall. The team is scheduled to play in Cumberland County's new coliseum.