KASSON &045; It was another tough test for the Albert Lea Blades.

And it was another win.

The Blades remained unbeaten in Southern Minnesota Hockey League play and for the season with a 6-3 triumph over Rochester Landon Trophy at Kasson Friday night.

According to Blades general manager Jason Fornwald, it was their strongest opponent since dropping a lop-sided decision to another Rochester team in a tournament there last year.

&uot;This was the best team we’ve played since the Ice Rams in the Rochester tournament,&uot; said Fornwald. &uot;They’re big, they’re fast, they skated three full lines and three sets of defensemen. It was fun hockey to play. Everyone said after the game it was great, everyone enjoyed it. We’re real glad this league is turning out to have some nice competitive hockey.&uot;

The game was closer than the score makes it look. It was 3-3 until 13:00 left to play, when the Blades began to pull away.

David Nystrom and Chad Hacker led the offense with two goals apiece. Justin Bolinger and Jeremy Hendrickson also scored.

Josh Heilman and Fornwald split time in goal, both playing well. Heilman allowed two goals, Fornwald one.

Kris Ellsworth was moved to defense and, according to Fornwald, played an outstanding game. Marty Anderson was also a defensive standout.

Albert Lea outshot Rochester 40-35. Both teams had two penalties.

The Blades improved to 4-0 in the league and 7-0 overall. It was the league opener for Landon Trophy.

The Blades host the Rochester Rookies Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the City Arena. The Rookies reportedly have former NHL players Doug Zmolek and Doug Wick on their roster.