General manager Jason Fornwald says the Albert Lea Blades are already looking forward to next season, and with good reason.

The Blades, in only their second year of existence, captured the Southern Minnesota Hockey League championship for 2002-03. The previous year, they won the Upper Midwest Hockey League title.

&uot;Overall, it was a good year, and it was a lot of fun,&uot; said Fornwald, who is also the team’s No. 1 goaltender.

The Blades finished 17-7-1 overall, but three of the losses came with a shorthanded crew at the tough Return of the Robin Tournament in Rochester.

The 2002-03 Blades won the Mason City Navigators Fall Tournament as well as the 22nd Annual Mankato Senior Men’s Hockey Tournament.

In addition to Fornwald, the 2002-03 Blades included Marty Anderson, Justin Bolinger, Travis Brua, Mike Carlson, Kris Ellsworth, Nate Ellsworth, Jason Ferrington, Chad Hacker, Josh Heilman, Scott Heilman, Jeremy Hendrickson, Levi Hendrickson, Nick Kruse, Chris Lehman, Mike Miller, Mike Nelson, David Nystrom, Don Savelkoul and Jason Schwartz.

The Blades would like to thank the following sponsors: Albert Lea Auto Salvage, Martin’s Cycling & Fitness, R&R Mini-Storage, Allen’s Tow-N-Travel, Fisher’s Jewelers, Thompson Sanitation, Nancy Vanderwaerdt&045;State Farm, Munson’s Body Shop, Country Inn & Suites, Nordaas American Homes, CAS, State Bank of Clarks Grove, Anderson’s Resorts, Aragon Bar, Nasty Habit, Hartland University, RWP, Tiger City Sports, Minnesota Warehouse Furniture, Blake’s Body Shop, Western Rentals.