Century Hockey Breaks Through

The school has only been around since the mid-90's, but Rochester Century's athletic program has already made its mark on the state and even national scene. Track and field and cross country were amoung the first sports in which the Panthers excelled. Then came a baseball team that won the state tournament and, with a little help from a couple Lourdes players, the American Legion World Series. The football team is a Big 9 threat and now, the boys hockey team has finally broken through.

The team has been solid for years. You don't get to four straight section championship games with average talent. But each time, whether it was Austin or Lakeville, the Panthers came up short. Having seen each of the last four defeats, I can only imagine the sense of relief coach Bruce Frutiger had when the clock hit zero. Relief for himself, to be sure. But in my time dealing with Coach Frutiger I learned that he is the type of coach who is happy most of all for his players.

Century will face Moorhead in the first round of the state tournament on Thursday. If this group of kids is anything like the Panthers baseball team from a few years back, playing on the big stage won't even faze them.

I, for one, can't wait.