The Albert Lea B PeeWees hockey team is headed for the regional level after winning two of three games in the recent District 4 tournament.

The B PeeWees had an undefeated regular season in District 4 Eastern League play. The locals faced some tough competition, taking on out-of-district teams from Rochester, Edina and Chicago. They even bested all old powerhouse from the north, International Falls.

The team entered the District 4 tournament as No. 1 seed.

In the first game, Albert Lea defeated a capable New Ulm squad 5-4 in overtime, with Andrew Hertling scoring the game-winning goal. Every team member put out a tremendous effort, according to coaches Dan Colstrup and Ross Peterson.

The B PeeWees lost game two to Windom, the No. 2 seed from the Western League.

Albert Lea bounced back to beat Owatonna 6-2 to earn a spot in the Silver Region B Pees tournament.

Albert Lea hasn’t had a B PeeWees team advance this far in many years. The level of play in the district can be more difficult than in the B League as smaller communities can only field one team.

The locals open region competition Friday against Orono.

The team’s strengths, according to the coaches, are a strong defense and talented forwards. The goaltending duo has combined for five shutouts.