While the trip didn’t go as the Norsemen had hoped, one veteran St. Cloud forward had a big weekend back in his home state. Kade Peterson, a West Fargo, ND native, tallied two goals and two assists in the three-game road trip in North Dakota.
“It’s a good time getting back there (to North Dakota),” confides Peterson. “Got a lot of family in Bismarck and then in Minot had a lot of family and friends come up so it’s always fun to play in front of them.”
Peterson played hockey for Sheyenne High School in West Fargo before leaving home to play for the Northstar Christian Academy AAA program in Alexandria, MN. The left-shot wing is a big body at 6’1, 190 lbs. and his dual threat of size and skill is a big part of why he leads the Norsemen in points this season. “I help bring a good aspect of both physicality and offense,” Peterson responds when asked about his game. “I like to think that I forecheck hard and I play the game the right way.”
Fellow returning Norseman captain and frequent linemate of Peterson’s Nik Hong can attest to just what Kade brings to the team. “He’s great to play with; he likes to make plays with the puck and can score,” assures Hong. “He always seems to be in the right place so it’s easy to find him and it’s really fun playing with him, he’s a great teammate.”
Peterson’s 12 points in 11 games has him off to a torrid pace to start the season, doubling his points per game from last year. Hong has noticed a difference in Peterson on and off the ice this go around. “He really developed throughout last year and come back this year as one of the guys that younger guys can rely on,” Hong points out. “He brings it in practice, brings it in games, and off the ice always having a positive attitude can really help bring some energy to the group.”
Kade realizes that things are different for him as a veteran than in his rookie season, but that the change is something he embraces. “It’s different this year,” admits Peterson. “I have a different role. There are a lot of new guys from last year. We’re (the returners) all looked upon to be leaders and I enjoy that role.”
Peterson, Hong and the rest of the Norsemen have the upcoming weekend off from games and will use the time off to practice and rest bodies. Their next contest takes place in Mason City on Saturday, October 22nd vs. the North Iowa Bulls and that game can be seen on hockeytv.com.
The next time St. Cloud plays at home they will host the Minnesota Wilderness on Saturday, October 29th. Tickets can be purchases online at tickets.stcloudnorsemen.com.
Kade Peterson races for loose puck vs. Austin Bruins (Photo Credit: Amanda Robak)