TCU Hockey has great Hockey Saturday

Last winter was rotten for outside hockey ice. Just ask Ernie Kotek, President of the Tri-City United Titans Hockey Association.

“Last year, we had very little ice. Every time we filled the rink, it melted,” he said. “We had to play our games indoors at Faribault or Le Sueur.”

This year, however, Mother Nature has been kinder with colder temperatures that are perfect for outdoor ice skating rinks, like the one that the hockey association has on Fourth Street in Montgomery. 

On Saturday, the association brought back its annual family tradition of holding a “Hockey Saturday” that invites people to the rink, features some games for the little kids and ends with  hockey alumni heading back to the ice. 

“I think we had a very good turnout,” said Kotek. “I was very pleased with who showed up. The building (warming) house was packed. Some people had to stay in their cars, but I heard nothing but positive comments by everyone.”

Part of the day had the games by area mini-mites, as well as a game against the TCU Mites and Faribault Mites, and concessions by the hockey association.

The day ended with the alumni game that featured players from Faribault, Lakeville, Waconia and some athletes who played hockey for the local association when it was known as the Montgomery Association.

Greg Westerman was one of those players who skated on Saturday. He said he grew up playing hockey for the Montgomery Association and has many fond memories of games at Hockey Saturday as a kid, then watching the “old-timers” play. This year, of course, it was a little different.

“It was fun to be on the other side of the boards. The weather was perfect for a little outdoor skating,” he said. “Thanks for Ernie Kotek and all of the sponsors for putting together a fun day in support of youth hockey.”

Speaking of sponsors, Kotek said the day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the day’s sponsors who helped out with prizes. Frandsen Bank and Trust of Montgomery and Lonsdale, CornerStone State Bank, Palace Bar, White Front Saloon, and Pizzeria201.

“I appreciated what everyone gave us,” Kotek said.

The Montgomery rink is available for open skate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Concessions will be available starting next week.