SIOUX FALLS, S.D. &045; The Albert Lea Blades adult amateur hockey team concluded the 2003-04 season with a runner-up finish at the Sioux Falls Spring Classic Hockey Tournament.

The first game was against a team from Sioux Falls, which Albert Lea defeated 7-2. Next was a team from Brookings, S.D. and again the Blades won, 8-1.

The victory advanced the Blades to the final, where they fell 7-3 to a team from Grand Forks, N.D.

The Blades also played in the 23rd Annual Return of the Robin Tournament in Rochester April 3 and 4.

After dropping the opener 6-1 to a squad from Ely, the locals fell 4-2 to a team from Denver, Colo. They lost their third game 8-5 to a team from Plymouth.

According to general manager and goaltender Jason Fornwald, the Blades started to feel their age a bit this year at the Return of the Robin and will move from the first division of the tournament to second division next year.