WATERLOO, Iowa – The Albert Lea Blades opened their inaugural regular season with a victory, drilling the Waterloo Gryphons 10-1 in a late Friday night Upper Midwest Hockey League game.

Monday, October 29, 2001

WATERLOO, Iowa – The Albert Lea Blades opened their inaugural regular season with a victory, drilling the Waterloo Gryphons 10-1 in a late Friday night Upper Midwest Hockey League game.

The Blades, who finished second to Rochester in the league’s preseason tournament, improved to 3-1 overall.

David Nystrom led the offense, scoring four goals. Scott Heilman, Jason Schwartz and Justin Bolinger netted two goals apiece. Kris Ellsworth had four assists.

Josh Heilman was in goal the first half of the game, allowing one goal. Jason Fornwald played the rest of the game in the net.

&uot;It was a well played game,&uot; said Fornwald, the Blades’ general manager. &uot;The guys came out, worked hard, and the result showed their effort.&uot;

The Blades have their first-ever home game this Saturday at 8 p.m. against Rochester on the City Arena’s west rink. Admission is free.