For two periods, the Albert Lea Blades got their toughest test since a preseason tournament.

Tuesday, January 15, 2002

For two periods, the Albert Lea Blades got their toughest test since a preseason tournament.

The visitors couldn’t keep pace in the third.

The Blades broke open a close game with four third-period goals and pulled away for an 8-2 victory at the City Arena Saturday night.

&uot;It was a lot closer than the score,&uot; said Blades general manager Jason Fornwald. &uot;It was 4-2 after two periods. We had 12 skaters and they had 10, and it showed a little bit in the third. They were a little tired and you could tell, and we really took it to them in the third period.&uot;

Until then, though, the NIACC crew was tough, and afterward Fornwald found out why.

&uot;They were probably the best team we’ve played so far,&uot; said Fornwald. &uot;The guy in charge of the team told me they have three former (United States Hockey League) players.&uot;

Justin Bolinger, David Nystrom and a new player to the team, Chad Hacker, scored three goals apiece for the Blades. Fornwald, in goal the whole game, estimated the shots at 40-30 in favor of Albert Lea.

Marty Anderson and Mike Miller both played an excellent defensive game, according to Fornwald.

The Blades, 12-1 overall and 8-0 in the Upper Midwest Hockey League, travel to Kasson this Saturday to take on the only team that has beaten them this season – the Rochester Fossils. The Blades avenged the 3-2 defeat in the preseason league tournament with a 5-2 win at Albert Lea. Game time Saturday is set for 9 p.m.

The next home games are Jan. 26 and 27, when the Blades face the Cedar Rapids Northlanders in a weekend series at the City Arena.