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NAHL Aberdeen Wings

Final Game for Wings Captain

March 27, 2013 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Aberdeen Wings News Release


The season is coming to an end much sooner than anyone associated with the Aberdeen Wings wanted. The hottest team in the NorthAmerican Hockey Leaguewas eliminated from playoff contention last weekend so Saturday's home game against Brookings will be the final one of the season and the last game in a Wings uniform for Justin Parizek.

The forward from Lakeville, Minn., is aging out of the league, but has definitely left his mark on the program.

That does not even begin to address his character.

When the Wings were mired in an 18-game losing streak, the squad traded several standout players and Parizek had a chance to go, but decided to ride out the storm.

"When things weren't going very good, he hung in there and still believed," Winter said of the team captain. "He could have easily wanted to go somewhere else, but he loved it here and he wanted to lead this group."

Parizek has no regrets of his decision to stay with the Wings.

"I definitely could have left," he said. "I loved my time in Aberdeen."

From his billet family of Larry (Chop) and Sue Cook, to his teammates, to his coaches, to the loyal Aberdeen fans, Parizek said he will always remember his time in the Hub City.

The only regret he does have is that the Wings couldn't have squeezed out a couple ofwinsduring that dreadful mid-season slump, which ended up costing the team a shot at the playoffs next month.

"It wasn't even that we were playing bad hockey," Parizek said. "I don't think we had the confidence towin. It just seemed like we didn't know how to win."

All of that changed when Winter arrived and now it seems like the Wings don't recall how to lose. The Aberdeen squad has won eight straight games and been on a tear the final month of the season.

"The kids have worked extremely hard," Winter noted. "They've never given up. It would have been a great opportunity for our guys to play in the playoffs. We're playing as good as anybody right now."

The Wings have a game in Brookings on Friday before their final home game on Saturday at Odde Ice Center.

"Our guys have a great opportunity this weekend to really make a statement and finishstrong," Winter said.

For Parizek, it will mark one final opportunity to skate in front of a group of fans that he will truly miss.

"It's so loud," Parizek said of playing to a full house during every home game. "It's a riot. It's a lot of fun."

Winter also acknowledged the Wings fans who have supported the squad in good times and bad.

"Our fans are great," Winter said. "They stick with you through thick and thin."

Parizek isn't sure how he will handle his last appearance at Odde and farewell to the fans one final time.

"It will be special," Parizek assured. "I don't know if I'll get emotional. That rink has a done a lot for me. It will definitely be a little sad walking out of there for the last time."

Still, Parizek is excited about the opportunities that are waiting for him in college. He will make a decision soon.

At the same time, Winter is excited about the possibilities for the Wings during the months ahead.

"They have to work hard this summer," Winter said of his players. "They have to have the best training summers of their careers and come in next fall in the best shape of their life. We're just looking for kids that are hard working and are team-first guys and want to be part of something special."

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