Big Hockey Showdown in Owatonna this Weekend
The Steele County Blades, off to one of their best starts ever, host Wisconsin Rapids Saturday, November 6 at 7 pm and Sunday, November 7 at 3 pm at Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna. The Blades and River Kings are tied for second place in the United State Premier Hockey League's Midwest West Division standings.
Steele County (9-3 plus a shootout loss) is coming off winning three-out-of-four during a showcase event in Blaine last weekend. Wisconsin Rapids (9-2 also with a shootout loss) won all four games in Blaine. This weekend marks the first meeting between the teams this season. They will also play in late January in Wisconsin.
The Blades are deep in returning veterans on their team, but let's meet a couple of the players new to the roster.
Brandon Kelly calls Minto, North Dakota his hometown, but he was born in the Ukraine and has lived in a few different spots and played for a number of hockey teams.
Aiden Pethick hails from Barrie, Ontario and says he was out on the ice only days after being born, while being carried in the arms of his father.
Steele County player Aiden Pethick
Find interviews with veteran skaters Gavin Ellis and Ryan Kerr. And go here for interviews with fourth-year player Connor Lee and current Owatonna High School senior Tanner Stendel among others.