Knutson thrills hometown fans

by KDLT Sports
January 21, 2013 6:56 PM


Lacing up and playing hockey can be an exciting experience.....Especially when it's in front of and for your hometown.

"It's really fun.  Every night you come and play at home because a lot of people know you and there's a lot more personal fans."  Stampede Forward Zeb Knutson says.

"Every time his name is called, the fans erupt and it gets us going, it's awesome. Ze, I think he's really paving a path for the Sioux Falls kids that want to play hockey"," said Stampede Goalie Charlie Lindgren.

Zeb Knutson is making Herd history.  He's the first Sioux Falls native to play for the Stampede.

"Bring energy to the bench. I like to talk a lot on the bench. Even on the ice, the players, talk about the game and how things are going and what we can do better," said Zeb Knutson.

"He might of put a little pressure on himself at the beginning of the season being a hometown kid and I think that's why he had a bit of a slow start, just as I did myself. I think he's starting to grow into the game." Stampede Forward Todd Skirving says.

Moving past the pressure of being a native son, has helped Zeb move forward.

"He's put that aside and parked his distractions we like to say. And I think he gets motivated by the crowd, it's a little extra ovation, extra people cheering for him." said Head Coach Cary Eades.

And so far Zeb's giving them plenty to cheer about.

In Sioux Falls, Zach Borg, KDLT Sports.