It has been called the most prestigious high school hockey tournament in the nation.

For coach Roy Nystrom and the Albert Lea Tigers, it certainly was elusive.

After getting so close so many times, Nystrom’s boys finally captured the section championship last year and made it to the state hockey tournament.

Now, on the heels of the most successful regular season in school history, they’re back. The Tigers defended their Section 1A championship, earning the right to face No. 1 rated Warroad Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the state quarterfinals.

This year, things are different for Albert Lea, as stated by captain Jon Breuer after the Tigers’ 7-3 victory over Mankato East for the section title.

&uot;We’re not done yet,&uot; said Breuer. &uot;Last year, it was kind of like get there and soak it in a little bit. This year, we want to make some noise up there.&uot;

The Tribune salutes the accomplishments of the 2004-05 Tigers and wishes them the best as they go for the gold at the big show.