Steele County Blades Split Weekend Series with Forest Lake

The Steele County Blades junior hockey team beat Forest Lake 3-0 Sunday at Four Seasons in Owatonna after dropping a 4-1 decision to the Lakers on Saturday.

Tim Grounds earned the shutout Sunday afternoon in the 3-0 win. He made 29 saves for his second shutout of the season. Steele County scored all their goals in the second period. Jake Freise slammed one home at 1:44 on an assist from Kyle Wadden. Kaleb Combs celebrated his return to the lineup with a goal at 3:19. Assists went to Antonio Najera and Jordan Jackson, who battled hard for the puck along the back wall. Soren Colstrup closed the scoring at 10:35 of the second period. Clayton Huss made a great pass off a turnover while falling to the ice for the assist.

The Lakers jumped out to an early lead in Friday's game by scoring three times in the first period. Forest Lake converted on two power plays and netted a shorthanded goal as well. Freise put the Blades on the board in the second period. The Lakers put the finishing touches on the 4-1 win with an empty net goal late in the third.

Steele County had swept the Lakers the previous weekend in Forest Lake.

Steele County doesn't play another home game until January 11. Their next game is December 15 at River Falls. They will also participate in a showcase event in Chicago in mid-December and one in New England in early January. Check out the Blades' online store for the latest gear for holiday gift giving.