The Albert Lea A Bantams hockey team recently met arch-rival Austin for an exciting game that ended in a 5-5 tie.

After the first period the game was all knotted up 2-2. Alex Lair scored both goals for the locals, with an assist going to Alex Brandt. Albert Lea led after the second period 4-3. Scoring goals were Scott Possehl and Evan Hegwood, tallying assists were Andy McKinney and Lair. The third period was a nail-biter to the end, with Alex Brandt scoring the lone goal, assisted by Dustin Arendt. Austin scored twice to tie the game up. Clay Casanova had a great night in goal with 29 saves.

Albert Lea traveled to Willmar for a tournament and met some tough teams.

In the first game, Rosemount blanked the locals 8-0. Casanova had 41 saves in net.

Albert Lea came out to play the second game but it was not enough. Irondale came out on top 5-3. Lair scored twice and Arendt once. Jared Bowman, Arendt and Alex Stadheim had assists. The game was very physical with 17 penalties called. Casanova stopped 41 shots.

The final game for the locals was against a team from Barrington, Ill, and Albert Lea shut them out 4-0. Lair scored twice, Mark Walton and Stadheim once each. Assists were also given to Walton and Stadheim. Again the game was full of penalties with a total of 16 between the teams. Andrew Weisert, Zack Schumaker and Craig Besco played a great game on defense.

The Bantams next have eight games in 16 days.