Steele County Blades Stick it to Detroit and Take a Swing at Cancer

The Steele County Blades junior hockey team swept a three-game series over Detroit at the Four Seasons Centre. Friday was Federated night and Stick it to Cancer night.

The home team gave fans plenty of reasons to cheer as Steele County scored three straight wins over Detroit by a combined score of 23-3. Soren Colstrup had back-to-back hat tricks Friday and Saturday and added two more goals Sunday, giving him 36 on the season. Antonio Najera and Koy Payne each got their first goal Sunday.

The first two games saw a steady string of players going into the penalty box as the teams combined for 33 penalties in each of the Friday and Saturday games. Sunday was a more civil affair with just 11 infractions. Detroit couldn't afford to create any dust ups. Between injuries and suspended players, the Fighting Irish had just 11 skaters for Sunday's game.

Friday Steele County shutout Detroit 8-0. Colstrup added an assist to his hat trick night. Kyle Wadden had a goal and three assists. Mike Severson got the shutout victory, his second of the season, while stopping 22 shots. Travis Marsh scored his first goal of the season. Erik Colstrup appeared in his 100th game as a member of the Blades.

Saturday, the Blades pulled away for a 7-2 victory. Steele County led 2-0 after the first period, but Detroit netted back-to-back goals early in the second period. Midway through the frame, the Irish were called on a five-minute major elbowing call and Steele County scored four goals on the ensuing man-advantage. Late in the third Marsh scored for the second straight night on a shorthanded, breakaway. Nick Mizen earned the win in goal.

Detroit struck first on Sunday seven minutes into the first period. Oskari Valli tied the game 10 minutes later. Najera notched his goal one minute afterward. Steele County added three goals in the second and third for the 8-1 victory. Najera assisted on Payne's goal midway through the third. Payne added two assists. Tim Grounds got the win between the pipes.

Steele County (27-11-2) plays at Blaine on Friday, February 10. Their next home game is Saturday, February 18, against River Falls on Jostens night. Friday was Federated Mutual Insurance night as well as Stick it to Cancer. Youth 1st of Owatonna and the team hosted a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Steele County Relay for Life. St. Mary's School had tables set up to accept donations for long time athletics director Terri Grose, who is battling cancer.