Adapted floor hockey team opens with big wins

The New Prague Trojan adapted floor hockey team won their first two games of the season, defeating St. Paul Humboldt and Winona.

The team which also includes athletes from Tri-City United and Le Sueur-Henderson, was scheduled to play at Owatonna Wednesday, Jan. 30, and will host Minneapolis Monday, Feb. 4, at 4:15 p.m.

Trojans 18, Hawks 3 New Prague scored six goals in each of their three periods and defeated St. Paul Humboldt 18-3 in their season opener in St. Paul Wednesday, Jan. 23.

Matthew Schoenbauer had seven goals and two assists to lead the Trojan offense. Alex Palma had four goals and two assists, Stephanie Hayden three goals and an assist, Jacob Malecha two goals and two assists, Chris Pena had three assists, Zack Crawford, Eva Johnson and Brooklyn Skluzacek two assists each, Charlie Zelinger a goal and Cassie Malecha one assist.

Zelinger played two periods in the net as goalie and Palma played the final period. Together they combined for eight saves. New Prague outshot Humboldt 44-11.

“It was a great first game of the season,” coach Shellie Kriha said. “Our new players did a great job for their first game of the season and our veteran players exhibited a lot of leadership."

Trojans 10, Winhawks 2 New Prague again had a solid showing, defeating Winona 10-2 in their home opener.

Schoenbauer had three goals in the first period and seven for the game. The Trojans led 3-1 after one period. He also had an assist.

Palma had three goals and an assist, Jacob Malecha and Nick Welter had one assist each.

Zelinger had 10 saves and Palma three. New Prague outshot the Winhawks 67-23.

"We outshot them and we hustled them the entire game,” Kriha said. “Matthew Schoenbauer demonstrated great leadership and exhibited the hustle that is needed to win games.

“We are proud of all the players for a job well done. We are off to a great start. It was a special night of floor hockey for all the players as we dedicated our night and our season to Alex Kvam."

Alex was a future floor hockey player who died last year from complications from Cornelia Delange Syndrome, a gene and chromosome mutation.

“Alex's family and friends say Alex did not let his disorder define him; he made himself who he was by working hard and loving life. He touched the hearts of many people and still has an impact on people's lives today,” Kriha said.