News Summary

The Great Hockey Stick Heist in Duluth: Mankato West Team’s Torment

In a shocking twist during what was supposed to be a fun-filled day of youth hockey, the Mankato West hockey team faced an unexpected hurdle that left them reeling. On December 28th, in the early morning hours, a suspect identified as Cole Allen Saice, a 23-year-old from Duluth, embarked on a spree that would ultimately lead to charges of felony aid and abet attempted theft.

The Incident Unfolds

As the team arrived at the Heritage Center for their tournament, they were met with an unsettling discovery. A black BAUER bag containing approximately 40 hockey sticks, worth an estimated $12,000, had gone missing. The moment of realization hit hard; all hopes of competing in the final game of the Heritage Holiday Classic vanished as they were forced to forfeit.

Police Step In

The Duluth police department was alerted to the incident and immediately launched an investigation. Surveillance footage revealed Saice was captured on camera around 5:09 a.m., walking toward the team’s bus with a large duffel bag. Dressed in a black hoodie showcasing a large white logo, paired with gray boots and black pants, it was evident he had sinister intentions.

As if the situation weren’t dire enough, Saice’s actions escalated. He returned to the bus at approximately 5:51 a.m., and authorities discovered he was trying to open the storage compartments. He was last spotted around 6:00 a.m., clutching a hockey stick alongside the duffel bag.

A Twist of Fate

However, on the same day, luck took a turn for the better when the stolen bag was discovered by another individual near a dumpster close to Second Avenue West. It was a moment of relief for the team; at least 35 hockey sticks were recovered, although reminders of their loss loomed large.

Evidence Mounts Against Saice

Further investigation revealed more incriminating evidence against Saice. When police contacted him on December 30th regarding an unrelated incident, he was found wearing clothing that matched the description of the suspect. A confession followed, as he admitted to taking the duffel bag, although it’s disheartening to acknowledge that more hockey sticks were later discovered during the police investigation.

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