Courtesy of the Sauk Centre Heraldby Bryan Zollman
Austin Plaine draws on inspiration from late uncle in breakout season
The old adage says that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back. But when it comes to the No. 10 on the back of Austin Plaine's Prairie Centre jersey, he wears it proudly.
Plaine is a sophomore center from Melrose enjoying a breakthrough season for the North Stars, leading the team with 26 points in just 13 games.
The No. 10 is a hockey tradition in the Sobolik family from Hallock, Minn. near the northwest corner of the state. It is there where Austin's parents, Kelly and Cara, both hail from. Both the Soboliks and Plaines have a rich heritage in Minnesota's grand game, and Austin is certainly carrying the torch for the current generation of hockey players.
Last season, as a freshman, Plaine had to wear No. 20. If he had his druthers he would have worn No. 10, but freshmen can't be choosy.
Why is No. 10 so important to him?
Because of Uncle Blake.
Read the rest of the story here.
