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January 19-20, 2018 Tending the rinks Patterson works as warming house attendant BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS – Driving by the and sidewalk plowing.” Pleasantview Park ice rink in the dead Patterson does not mind the job. of winter, one will see many people, ages “It’s nice to have a job,” Patterson said. young and old, skating around the ice. There Being a warming house attendant allows are children learning how to skate or play Patterson time to take in casual hockey hockey and there are high schoolers and games and skate around. It also offers much- young adults playing pond hockey. needed homework time on occasion. A small one-room building serves as a “It’s really just a time for me to hang warming house and an area to change into out,” Patterson said. “I have a lot of people skates. That is where you will À nd Kade I know who come just to hang out. There Patterson. are a lot of shifts where I’m out on the ice Patterson works for the Sauk Rapids- taking in a game of hockey with a bunch of Rice Community Education Program as a guys. Hockey was my thing until I was told warming house attendant. I couldn’t play anymore.” “It’s an easy job, really,” said Patterson, Patterson played hockey from the time a senior at SRR high school. “I really just he was 4 until he was 16. Then a medical have to unlock the building, turn on the condition made his bones too brittle to play. heat, shovel the hockey rink if needed and Patterson enjoys watching those who make sure there isn’t anyone misbehaving.” come to the rinks. He feels he has been a The warming house coverage is a part of their memories. partnership between community education “I’ve seen a lot of things here that are and the Sauk Rapids Public Works fun to be a part of in a way,” Patterson said. department. Public works director Pete “There’s a lot of parents who bring their Eckhoff appreciates the partnership. young kids to the rink. I often think, ‘Wow, “I usually just send an email to Phillip I’m watching a kid learning to skate for Klaphake [community recreation director the À rst time,’ or ‘I’m watching this cool at SRR schools] a few weeks prior to the family-bonding time.’ It always brings a planned opening dates of the rinks, and he smile to my face knowing I get to witness takes care of scheduling people to be there,” some of that.” Eckhoff said. “I’m glad Phillip takes care of Patterson rotates his time between the the scheduling. A snowstorm would make it Oak Ridge rink, located at 2008 Highview tough for me to coordinate the attendant’s Drive, and the Pleasantview rink. schedules. I’m focused on the general street “Hardly anyone goes to Oak Ridge,” PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA plowing operations, then the sidewalks Patterson said. “For the residents around and then the rinks. Not having to À nd rink Kade Patterson clears the Pleasantview Park hockey rink of snow Jan. 8. Patterson is a warming Patterson page 2B house attendant for two rinks in Sauk Rapids – Pleasantview and Oak Ridge. attendants allows me to focus on the street

Friday, Jan. 19 schedule @ Lake George, St. Cloud 5 p.m. – St. Cloud Ice Breakers vs. Sartell-Sauk Rapids Storm n’ Sabres – Girls HS Saturday, Jan. 20 schedule @ Herb Brooks National 7:30 p.m. – St. Cloud State University Alumni Hockey Center, St. Cloud 5 p.m. – State University-Mankato vs. St. Saturday, Jan. 20 schedule @ Lake George, St. Cloud State University – Men Cloud 10 a.m. – St. Cloud vs. St. Cloud Cathedral – Boys HS Saturday, Jan. 20 schedule @ , 1 p.m. – St. Cloud State University vs. University of St. Paul Minnesota-Duluth – Women 8 p.m. – vs. – 4:30 p.m. – Moorhead vs. Centennial – Boys HS NHL 7-10 p.m. – Fabulous Armadillos – Free concert. Gates open at 6 p.m. DON’T SCHEDULE MISS IT! PAGE 2B | HOCKEY DAY MN 2018 HOCKEY DAY MN

Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck looks to block a shot Jan. 8 at Sports doubling down Arena East. on defense

play the position of goalie. are helpful, Heck said most said. “… If I can make one the game is one aspect that Heck protects as “Not a lot of people times players do not cut him of these guys who have a lot keeps drawing Heck back wanted to do that; when I slack. of talent throw their hands to the ice. In addition to his played with my friends I “There are some pretty up in disgust at some point, I Sunday night play, he plays goalie, sheriff would play goalie, too,” talented guys who play (on know I have done my job.” at St. Cloud State University he said. “Somebody has to in the summer months and BY NATASHA BARBER these teams),” Heck said. Heck said the highlight opponent’s goal. In both, stand there in front of the has added a Tuesday night STAFF WRITER “One in particular, has got a of his hockey career was hard work and dedication puck, right?” shot you would not believe. playing ice hockey in the league where he plays give you the satisfaction of The teachers were such … He can put that puck 2012 Can-Am Police-Fire forward rather than goalie. SAUK RAPIDS — knowing you have protected big fans of the game that inside that coffee cup (size Games in St. Cloud. Heck also enjoys Many Benton County your team and community.” education sometimes came area) and it just amazes “That was really a lot of learning more about the community members know Heck never played second to the sport. me. They take advantage fun because we spent a lot game. Sheriff Troy Heck as a man organized hockey as a “School would basically of whatever they can when of time not only playing, but “You go out there and who has led the county’s law youngster. Growing up in stop during the state high they are shooting at me. I we would practice regularly work as hard as you can for enforcement ofÀ ce for the the metro area his interest school hockey tournament,” think some of them are just as a group,” Heck said. a shift whether it turns out past three years. Heck has in the game was something Heck said. “When those entertained at the fact they “We got what I thought was good or bad,” Heck said. sworn to protect and serve that came independently. afternoon games came on, get to shoot the puck at the pretty good at the game. … “The good news is you can the public, and he has been Heck remembers wanting we got to just sit and watch sheriff.” Even though it didn’t turn go sit on the bench for a little doing so since he began his to play hockey around the the hockey games.” But, Heck does not let it out so well for my team as bit and think about what went career as a patrol deputy in time he was 7 years old. Although Heck never get the best of him. far as win-losses [Heck’s well, what didn’t go well and 1994. His parents found him a joined his high school team, “There have been a few team took third in his pool you can come out and try it Heck’s defense does pair of skates and brought when he was a junior he times I have been fortunate of three], it still was a lot of again. I like the fact that it not stop there. In a different him to local rinks where he attended all three of the enough to score some goals fun to have other groups of seems the harder you work role, the 47-year-old Foley taught himself how to skate. games at the St. Paul Civic out here and there have been hockey players come down and the more effort you put resident puts up his guard Eventually, he began playing Center as his high school — a few times I’ve been able here, play against them, talk into it, usually the better Sunday evenings as he takes the game with friends. John F. Kennedy — won the to rob some of these guys and exchange stories.” results you get.” the ice at Sports Arena East. The young boy’s state championship. that are really talented,” he The camaraderie of Heck is a goaltender for interests continued to be As life caught up with a men’s league that meets quenched by staff members Heck, hockey took a back September through March in at his primary and secondary seat to children and family, Sauk Rapids. schools. In physical but he made his way back to “In law enforcement, education classes, Heck the ice about 10 years ago. you are the line between the and his classmates had the “This [Sports Arena citizen and the criminal,” chance to play Á oor hockey East] is where I started said Heck. “As a goalie, you often, even taking on the playing again,” Heck said. are the last line of defense faculty each year. It was the “This is as organized as I between your team and an À rst opportunity Heck had to have ever played.” Each Sunday evening after 9 p.m., Heck hits the ice We are proud supporters of with local law enforcement and those who have been invited to play with the key group. The players skate N Hoc upwards of an hour, playing MMN Hockey full-ice or half-ice hockey depending on the number of ay participants. DayD “I really enjoy playing with all the guys who are down here,” Heck said. “I taught myself how to skate; I never played organized hockey, so when you stretch out that skill level ladder I usually think I’m pretty low. The thing I really appreciate is pretty much all the guys who are skilled understand they could probably score at will, but they are happy to pass it to somebody else or 603 N Benton Dr | Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 PHOTOS BY NATASHA BARBER help teach someone so they Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck stands in a goal crease at Sports Arena East Jan. 8. In his 320-251-4771 | www.dandbautobody.biz get a bit better.” spare time, Heck enjoys playing hockey with mulitple groups of skaters throughout the year. Although the players

COME WATCH US TONIGHT! DATE TIME OPPONENT Sat., Jan. 13 7:30 PM New Ulm Steel and your family want to have was locking up at 9, and I there were 25 or 30 kids out - Armadillo Deck Sports Arena Patterson a more secluded skating look over and there’s a truck on the hockey rink playing Wed., Jan. 24 7:30 PM Willmar WarHawks experience. Everyone comes whipping donuts on the ice; pond hockey. I was a part of - Willmar Civic Center Arena Fri., Jan. 26 7:30 PM St. Louis Jr. Blues from front to Pleasantview.” he left as soon as he saw that game, and it was so fun. - Armadillo Deck Sports Arena Patterson is in his me,” Patterson said. “I enjoy Everyone had a great time there, it’s like having a quiet second season as a warming watching the high school and it was just a really casual rink in the backyard. It’s a house attendant and has seen kids play pond hockey, too. game.” Buy One Ticket Get the great piece of ice to skate just as many entertaining One game comes to mind. Just last week, Patterson Second around by yourself or if you moments as he has the It was snowing lightly, made one of his coldest 1/2 Price heartwarming ones. painting the picture of a memories. “There was one night I winter wonderland, and “It was one of those days where it was zero outside and the wind chills were 20 degrees below that,” Patterson said. “It was one Go Hockey! of my sister’s À rst shifts so I came to help her. We were just huddled next to the heater in the warming house. There wasn’t anything to do because no one was out on the rinks anyway.” Patterson feels this year is more enjoyable than the last, and he is making as many memories as possible while he works. “I want to continue partaking in hockey games TheTh SSausage SSpecialists and just enjoy this job for what it is,” Patterson said. “I wouldn’t say that the job is any easier than last year, but just more reassuring. I know what I’m doing now and that allows me more time to just Manea’s hang out and watch people create memories of their COME TRY own.” 114 2nd AveMeats N., Sauk Rapids, MN PHOTO BY ANNA SALDANA OUR MEAT Brooke Kahlhamer skates around the ice rink at Pleasantview STICKS! (320) 253-8683 • [email protected] Park Jan. 8, practicing her hockey skills. www.maneasmeats.com HOCKEY DAY MN HOCKEY DAY MN 2018 | PAGE 3B Leading the team

BY ANNA SALDANA STAFF WRITER

SAUK RAPIDS — Minnesota is dubbed the state of hockey, to the point of having Hockey Day Minnesota Jan. 19-20. While all of the events will occur in St. Cloud, the Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm boys hockey team will continue to work harder than ever in practice in the next town over. Behind the strength of the team are four leaders that take their captainship seriously. Morgan Barber, Drake Raduns-Parsley, Daymin Dodge and Nevin Friesz have been playing hockey together since they were young skaters. Now, as juniors and seniors in high school, their friendship, not just among each other but Drake Raduns-Parsley teaches his teammates to stay throughout the whole team, competitive and never give up. is stronger than ever. “There’s just something to be said for hanging out with the boys,” Dodge said. “There’s such a Supporting MN sense of community and Hockey Day! family among the guys. It’s a brotherhood that goes SAUK RAPIDS beyond the rink.” 8 N Benton Drive, Sauk Rapids, MN Friesz agreed. (320)-251-5383 • www.wipplerhardware.com “We all have a great friendship,” Friesz said. “It LITTLE FALLS RICE 211 E Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345 2333 125th St NW, Rice, MN 56367 helps that we’ve all been PHOTOS BY ANNA SALDANA together for so long. Hockey Sauk Rapids-Rice boys hockey captains – Nevin Friesz (front, from left), Drake Raduns- (320) 632-5740 • www.wipplerhardware.com 320) 393-3117 • www.hardwarehank.com is a passion for all of us on Parsley; (back, from left) Morgan Barber and Daymin Dodge – lead their 2017-18 team. the team.” The four feel it is a real moments are celebrating honor to lead the team as a goal. The captains enjoy captains. that experience with their “It’s a pretty special teammates time and time opportunity to lead my again. peers and friends,” Barber “It never gets old,” said Auto - Home - Renters - Business - Life - Health said. “Not many people can Raduns-Parsley. “Whether 114 Division Street, say they were captain of we are on the ice when the Sauk Rapids, their hockey team in their goal is scored or not, it’s a MN 56379 senior year of high school. special experience, the best (320) 259-8178 It’s fun, too, to be a part of feeling ever. We relish in (800) 599-9866 Paul Nordquist Michael Opsahl Ryan Stack [email protected] the growth and development those moments, especially www.twfgmn.net of not only the team, but when we are facing tough also each individual player. teams. Not only are we We are here to support each celebrating for ourselves, other and we all know that.” but we are celebrating for The captains feel the and with the fans. We have a team has a different approach very proud hometown crowd to their game on the ice, one supporting us.” that makes leading the team This season, the team more enjoyable. has a 4-10 record, which “We may be a small is already an improvement team, but we are fast, over last. aggressive and very “We’ve been so competitive during games,” determined to do better Dodge said. “We never stop, than last year,” Dodge Daymin Dodge is one of the and we never give up.” said. “We know we need to lead scorers for the Storm. Some of the team’s be constantly improving. He hopes that by putting in the hard work his teammates biggest examples of their This summer, we had realize the effort pays off. competitiveness are their 7-1 practices twice a week, win over Legacy Christian and we competed in two to start their season Nov. 28, tournaments, so that helped their 9-0 shutout game over us. But we still are working against North Branch at the Becker-Big Lake Dec. 7 and harder than ever. Like I said, end of last season. their 5-2 win over Willmar we never give up.” “That game really put Jan. 9. For all four players, the us on the spot,” Barber said. As a team, the best most memorable game was “We started out with the lead, had a tie game going into the third and then we fought to try and come back, but they ended up taking the game. I just remember that we came off the ice with our chins held high because we put everything we had on that ice that day.” As the captains advance in their hockey careers, they look to the strategies of major league skaters for inspiration. “I’ve just always liked how they play,” Barber said. “Some are quick on the ice and some just have a really good scoring strategy. It’s fun to pay attention to their game.” The captains also enjoy watching teams such as University of Minnesota- Duluth, St. Cloud State and University of North Dakota. “Watching the games of others just allows us to be better leaders and bring better things to our ice,” Dodge said. “It helps us teach a lot of things. First, even when we aren’t the most talented, we have to take the time and work hard. Morgan Barber spends a lot of time on the ice during games, If you want success and the À ghting for the puck and encouraging his teammates to keep rewards that go along with it, pushing through tough games. we have to go get it. And, we do that by working hard.” PAGE 4B | HOCKEY DAY MN 2018 HOCKEY DAY MN Once in a lifetime opportunity Storm’ntorm’n Sabres comcompetepete duringduring spot in the event,” event ” Anderson the last game to win this oneone. Hockey Day Minnesota said. “The excitement has We are expecting another been building since.” classic game against them.” The team will play Anderson is hopeful for BY ANNA SALDANA Anderson. “They know it only goes to so many Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. against a large crowd of supporters STAFF WRITER communities and that this the St. Cloud Icebreakers, to kick off the event. SAUK RAPIDS — is really a special, once-in- a cooperative of St. Cloud “The cool thing about The Storm’n Sabres girls a-lifetime opportunity.” Tech and Apollo high this event is that area schools hockey team is preparing The team learned they schools’ athletes. are represented,” Anderson for a special opportunity. would be a part of the event “Not only are we said. “We are really hoping The team be part of Hockey over the summer when the gearing up to play in the for our students to come out Day Minnesota 2018 Jan. Hockey Day Minnesota event itself, but we are also and support their classmates 19-20 at Lake George in St. committee came to summer gearing up to play against for the game. We are also Cloud. practice. the Icebreakers,” Anderson equally excited that we are “The girls are very “They watched us said. “They’ve proven to be playing in the À rst game of excited,” said coach Marty practice and offered us a a tough team. They have a the event — that we get to powerful offensive line and kick this off.” a good goalie. We just have to practice with tactics that will help in getting around that.” SSRR faced off against the Icebreakers Dec. 19 in Sartell, where the two PHOTOS BY ANNA SALDANA teams tied 2-2. Knowing the Alexa Paulson (left) looks to Storm’n Sabres were able Madison Mollner for support to tie that game, Anderson Dec. 12 as she skates the puck said they are going for the down the ice in a home game win this time. against Brainerd-Little Falls. “They really are one of our toughest rivals,” Anderson said. “I think the girls are very determined and motivated as they look ahead to this game. They want the win, and they will do what they can to get it. It’s a lot of fun knowing we will be playing the Icebreakers in a game like this. We are all really hopeful that we can duplicate our efforts from

Madison Mollner (left) blocks opponents while Lauren Wensel skates past with the puck Dec. 12 at Bernick’s Arena.