By Jim Bastian

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Steel had their first scrimmage this past week when they, along with the Wausau Cyclones and the Mason City Toros, scrimmaged in Mason City.

North gave his team reviews after their play.

“We played four games down there. Two of them were an eye-opener and two were very good,” he said. “Our guys are seeing the potential of this team and now that we have about two weeks before our first game, we have some time to jell as a team and work out some kinks.”

North said that the “eye-opening” part of the scrimmage was the step-up in the pace of the game for the 14 first-year players.

“The tempo of the game is a lot quicker than some of the newer guys are used to and there is a little stigma that the Tier III level is not as good as the other two leagues (North American Hockey League and the United States Hockey League),” he said, “In terms of development, that is accurate but the (NA3HL) does not get enough credit on how good of hockey it really is.”

North said he liked the compete level shown by his team.

“It was really good — guys were not shying away from getting physical — the veterans were talking to the new, incoming players — and you saw it work.

“And we still need to work on conditioning, but that is pretty usual this time of the year. And I was happy with the camaraderie — that is something that I preach is being team players.”

North said that he started the jigsaw puzzle of piecing the line combinations together and introducing his systems to the players in practice on Tuesday.

One of the new first-year players who North felt played well was Macrae Gordon, who played last season with Woodbury High School.

“He has the skill to put the puck in the net,” North said about Gordon, who was the second-leading scorer last year for Woodbury High School with 16 goals and eight assists. “And he is not afraid of being physical and he is confident. He was (Woodbury’s) first-line center. He has put on some muscle since high school — the sky is the limit for him and he always will be energetic on the ice and will lay it all out on the line each shift.”

Gordon said North was convincing in getting him to join the Steel.

“New Ulm and coach North reached out to me and he was pretty convincing,” he said. “We had a good talk over the phone.”

Gordon described himself as a grinder.

“I like being gritty, fast and not being afraid to throw my body around,” he said. “I love being in front of the net. I like getting those rebound goals or tip-ins. So you won’t see anything flashy from me — just getting dirty and scoring.”

Gordon said that one of his high school hockey memories was when Woodbury beat Holy Angels last year.

“That was an awesome achievement for us and it proved that Woodbury can compete. And I think that this year the Steel can compete for that Fraser Cup.”

North also mentioned more potential help on the way for the Steel.

“And we do have a player coming from Russia,” North said. “I want to leave that as it is for now because of all of the background stuff with that trying to get a visa. It is taking time. We also have a goalie from Red Wing coming in in Dixon Ehlers. He is going to start with Chippewa (New Ulm Steel’s NAHL big brother).”

Reminder that as the season approaches, fans can purchase Early Bird season tickets for $180 and save $40 off of the $220 price before Sept. 30.

Those interested can contact Karen Haala at 507-276-2063.