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Steel set to open the season Oct. 2

NEW ULM — The NA3HL and the New Ulm Steel will start their season on October 2, New Ulm Steel Assistant General Manager Eric Gramentz said.

“We have not determined what our actual home opener or season schedule will be yet,” Gramentz said. “That season schedule will be determined in August.”

Gramentz said that October 2 date could be pushed back.

“But the league has already told us to plan to start that first week in October,” Gramentz said. “Right now if is a fluid situation but that is what we are planning for.”

Steel players will probably be reporting to New Ulm the week after Labor Day.

“We would anticipate seeing them the first week of September for practice,” Gramentz said. “That may get pushed back a week or so but that all really depends on a variety of things. Host families and what the league puts out that is COVID related.”

Gramentz said that the Steel is waiting for more guidance from the league “but our league and the team is committed to providing a safe playing environment and home environment for all of our players. I would envision that we would see some form of monitoring of all of our players as they arrive for practice each day and as they continue to be part of the team.

“We rely heavily on our host families to provide a good and safe environment for our players for the season,” he said. “Part of that is going to make sure that these players are not showing an signs or symptoms of COVID before they join their families. We have to take those things on a day-by-day basis as far as if host families are willing to open up their homes to a player coming in.”

Gramentz said that seating for Steel games at the New Ulm Civic Center may be limited. Last year, the Steel averaged just over 500 fans a game.

“Discussion will happen with New Ulm Park and Recreation Department in the near future as far as seating limits and requirements go,” Gramentz said. “I envision that you will probably see something similar to what is happening at Johnson Park with only 200 to 250 fans allowed.”

“We have not decided on ticket sales or pre-sale game tickets and we are anticipating selling season tickets during our first home weekend on a limited basis.”

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