ROCHESTER – After absorbing a 12-1 loss in the opener and falling behind 7-1 after one period in the second round, the Albert Lea Blades wondered if they belonged in the top division of the 21st Annual Return of the Robin hockey tournament.

Tuesday, March 26, 2002

ROCHESTER – After absorbing a 12-1 loss in the opener and falling behind 7-1 after one period in the second round, the Albert Lea Blades wondered if they belonged in the top division of the 21st Annual Return of the Robin hockey tournament.

They decided they did.

The Blades rallied for a 7-7 tie and then won in the final round to finish their inaugural season on a positive note, tying for second in their pool in last weekend’s tournament at Rochester and Kasson.

&uot;It was the most enjoyable hockey of the season,&uot; said Blades goalie and general manager Jason Fornwald.

It was also the most competitive, as they learned against the three-time defending tournament champion Bernard’s Ice Rams in the first round. The Ice Rams are comprised of former University of Wisconsin-River Falls players.

&uot;It was ugly,&uot; said Fornwald. &uot;They’re a good team, but we played one of our worst games of the year. It was kind of an eye-opener. We just weren’t used to that caliber of hockey.&uot;

It was 3-0 after one period and 8-0 after two. David Nystrom scored late in the third for the Blades. Fornwald and Josh Heilman split time in the net, each allowing six goals.

Game two against Snickers Pizza, made up of former UW-Superior players, started just as bad, with the Blades down 7-1 at the end of the first period.

&uot;We weren’t playing like we could,&uot; said Fornwald. &uot;The guys took it upon themselves to not be blown out again. It was just an awesome comeback.&uot;

Nystrom scored the tying goal with 40 seconds remaining. Also scoring were Chad Hacker, Don Savelkoul, Justin Bolinger, Mike Nelson, Steve Nelson and Marty Anderson. Fornwald was in goal the last two periods.

The Blades defeated the Cloquet Lumber Dogs 5-4 Sunday morning. Hacker scored two goals. Bolinger, Harley Klimmek and Nate Ellsworth scored one each. Fornwald was the goalie.

&uot;Everyone played well in that game,&uot; said Fornwald. &uot;We proved we belonged in the top division.&uot;

The Blades, who finished 21-2-1 and won the Upper Midwest Hockey League championship, won’t play in the UMHL next year, according to Fornwald. They’re looking to form a new league with competition closer to the level of the Return of the Robin tournament.

&uot;We’re looking forward to playing in that tournament next year,&uot; said Fornwald. &uot;And we’re looking forward to another shot at the Ice Rams.&uot;