Big Nine hockey honors

A total of eight Albert Lea players are part of the 2003-04 Big Nine all-conference boys’ hockey team. Six Tigers received honorable mention; Tony Dugstad, Cory Ellertson, Tyler Hegwood, Beau Larson, Travis McKinney and Dustin Trail. All of these boys are very deserving, said Albert Lea coach Roy Nystrom. They worked hard all season and, like everyone on the team, they got through some adversity. Anytime you’re selected all-conference in the Big Nine, it’s a real honor. The 2003-04 Tigers finished 20-11 while winning their first-ever section championship and finishing fourth in the Class A state tournament.