Watch hockey in-person in Owatonna Friday night. The Steele County Blades junior hockey club is hosting Hudson in a 7 pm game at Four Seasons Centre. The team is allowing a limited number of fans into the game. The first 150 can purchase a ticket.

Steele County is in the midst of a seven-game home stand, and have won the first two. The Blades have won three of their last four as they try to make a run toward a top four seed and home ice advantage for the playoffs.

Connor Lee is a three-year veteran with the Blades and is from Sydney, Australia. He told AM 1390 KRFO in the interview below, while at home during the off-season he played hockey and ran the sand dunes to stay in shape. He said gyms were closed due to the pandemic and adds that his country had tighter guidelines than in the United States.

Connor Lee, Steele County Blades forward

Lee really enjoys getting to know the other players on the team. He hopes to return to Owatonna next winter for his final year of juniors. He likes working with the Blades' coaching staff and enjoys the "Midwestern vibe" of a small town, although he also likes taking an occasional trip to Mall of America.

Goalie Joe Young is new to the Blades roster. He and a couple of other players joined the team after their junior league in Saskatchewan paused activities. He told us this is his first time playing hockey in America.

Joe Young, Steele County Blades goalie

Blades assistant coach Donovan Gault is a first-year member of the staff. He has coached and played at several levels in different places around the world. He talks about the influence the "European style" has on what the Blades are doing.

Steele County Blades assistant coach Donovan Gault

Update on Blades seven-game home stand:

  • Sunday, January 31, Win 4-2 over Rum River
  • Monday, February 1, Win 3-2 over Rochester
  • Friday, February 5, vs Hudson Havoc, 7 pm
  • Friday, February 12, vs Wisconsin Rapids, 7 pm
  • Saturday, February 13, vs Wisconsin Rapids, 12 pm
  • Monday, February 15, vs Minnesota Blue Ox, 7 pm
  • Wednesday, February 17, vs Rochester, 7 pm

 

 

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