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Some youth hockey teams play on, even in this weather

In Edina, hockey games and practices continued at all levels even with temperatures still hovering near -20 outside. It was a way for families to get out of the house for once.

EDINA, Minn. — It's still cold to spend time outside — and that's becoming a problem in some households around the Twin Cities. 

Trenton Hogg, the father of a sophomore hockey player at Edina, said he was overjoyed his son got out of the house to attend an informal workout at Braemar Arena. All practices and games at the arena, including Edina youth games, continued as scheduled on Wednesday, despite temperatures hovering near -20 degrees for a second straight night.

"Kids love it when they're out of school, and then they're just stuck seemingly bored and stir crazy," Hogg said. "It's great to get out of the house. They need to do something other than Fortnite and all that."

Jeff Austin, a Pee Wee coach in Edina, said he canceled practice on Tuesday night but decided to hold Wednesday's practice because the wind chill wasn't as severe. 

"I know my son, I was anxious to get him out. He needed to get out," Austin said. "It's a good way to release a little energy."

But not everyone proceeded as normal like Edina. 

In Chaska, the city decided to close the community center early, leading to the cancellation of youth hockey games. 

Kevin Wright, the communications manager for the city of Chaska, said they were worried about parents driving and possibly having car trouble late at night.

"We decided it would be in the best interest for the patrons of the facility as well as the staff, just so people got a chance to get out and be safe before it got too late and too dark," Wright said.

Back in Edina, parents certainly acknowledged safety concerns, but they still felt comfortable driving their kids to practices and games.

"It is a hockey state," said James Alexander, a Minnetonka parent who brought his 14-year-old son to play against Edina. "You might as well play even if it's cold outside. We come indoors to warm up."

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