The Steele County Blades are proud to announce that Antonio Najera has committed to play college hockey at the University of Utah in the fall.  Antonio just finished his third and final season with the Blades.

The Mexico City, MEX  native played in 121 total games for the Blades after playing at Banff Academy in Alberta in 2016. He scored 10 goals with an accompanying 13 assists in his time in Owatonna. This past season he totaled 5 goals and 5 assists in 44 games. Antonio is also currently a member of the Mexican National Team, having just participated in the IIHF World Championships which took place in Mexico City in April of 2019.

Head Coach Nick Adamek had this to say about Najera. “Nobody deserves this opportunity more than Tony. He ranks up there with some of the best to have worn our colors. I am proud to say that I know him as a human being. To have been able to coach him has been a real treat. I know Coach Huras is getting a fantastic representation of what Blades hockey can be. Though we are sad to see him go, we wish him the best of luck and can not thank him enough for all that he gave to our program. We are better for having had him here.”

“Antonio plays with a ton of intensity and heart. His feet are constantly in motion which helps him play a very strong two-way game up. He will be expected to make an impact immediately with his work ethic and character on our team. We are excited to bring his international hockey experience to Salt Lake City, and we hope to help him continue to develop Antonio as player throughout his time here in Utah,” said Head Coach Huras.

“During my time with the Steele County Blades, I learned a lot about what type of person and player I am. I truly believe that as each year passed I was able to grow both on the ice and off. I will always be thankful to the Blades organization for everything they did for me in helping me get to where I am today,” added Najera.

The University of Utah is located in Salt Lake City. Founded in 1850, the University of Utah is the flagship public university in the state of Utah and has established itself as an epicenter for scientific, medical and engineering research.The Skatin’ Utes are at the ACHA Division I Level and participate in an independent schedule. Last year they were ranked in the top 20 in the nation. They are led by former professional player Brett Huras, who just ended his 4th season behind the bench with the Skatin’ Utes.

Najera is the second Blade from the 2018-19 season to make his college commitment, following Matt Colagiovanni’s commitment to Trine University. Blades Alumni Cory Schillo wrapped up his junior hockey career  in Saskatchewan and has committed to the University of Wisconsin- River Falls. More information on where other Blades will be headed will be available shortly.