The Steele County Blades are proud to announce that Tristan Klewsaat has committed to play NAIA college hockey at Waldorf University in the fall. Tristan played 2 seasons in a Steele County Blades uniform.

The Larkspur, CO native played in 44 games for the Blades this season. In those 44 games, he logged 4 goals, 12 assists, and 48 penalty minutes. In his two seasons wearing black and orange, Klewsaat suited up in 85 games and totaled 22 points from the blue line. He skated for 3 other teams in 4 years total at the junior hockey level. Tristan was recently awarded with the Blades Defensive Player of the Year Award and the Pete Kalan Character of Steele Award.

Head Coach Nick Adamek had this to say about Tristan. “We are so proud to list Tristan as an alumnus here in Steele County. He learned a never give up attitude while here and demonstrated to others what it takes to leave it all on the ice every day. In his last year, he was the picture of consistency on the back end. He never gave us anything less than 100% effort every time he put on our jersey. This season, as our captain, he led our team graciously through the highs and lows of a rigorous junior hockey season.” He continued, “Coach Shelanski is getting a great hockey player, but more importantly, a tremendous young man with a good head on his shoulders. We wish Tristan the best of luck in Forest City!”

Waldorf Warriors Head Coach Brett Shelanski remarked “Tristan is the kind of defenseman that you can never have too many of. He is responsible in his own end and makes quick, accurate breakout passes. He skates well, plays a physical game, and is difficult to play against. Tristan also thinks the game well and has a quick, accurate shot from the point. It became very evident to our staff, very quickly in the process, that Tristan is an individual with very high character. We are very pleased to welcome him to the Warrior hockey family."

Tristan added “I am very excited to be able to continue my hockey career at Waldorf University. I decided on Waldorf because I am a really huge fan of smaller class sizes and an overall smaller-school feel. I was also very intrigued by the new NAIA hockey division and what it could offer," he added. "I spoke to Coach Shelanski at length about the emergence of NAIA hockey and about its promising future. I then visited Waldorf with my family and felt it was the best place to further my education along with my hockey career."Klewsaat continued “My time in Steele County has been so important in terms of my growth on and off the ice. I believe that what I have learned with the Blades will set me up to have a successful college hockey career. I would like to thank everyone in Owatonna for their support along the way, and I’d especially like to thank my teammates for helping me better myself everyday ”

Waldorf University is located in Forest City, IA . Waldorf University is a charter member of the newly-formed NAIA Division. Currently, they are 7-16 on the season, entering the NAIA National Tournament in Dublin, OH this week. They are coached by Brett Shelanski, who is finishing his seventh season as Head Coach of the Warriors.

Tristan joins Kyle Wadden as players who have committed to a school for next season. Wadden previously committed to Morrisville State College (NCAA Division III).  He will join a Waldorf team that has had several Blades players suit up for them over the years in Hunter Marsh, Josh Gouin, and Alex Fleming. Stay tuned as more players are slated to make their commitments shortly.