The Spartans are playing to honor Coach Zach "Nelly" Nelson who passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2018.  While Nelly only coached the Spartans one season his impact on the players, his fellow coaches, team managers, and fans was unparalleled.  Nelly won the MN State High School Hockey Tournament both as a player in 2003 on the  Anoka High School Hockey Team and as a coach with the Spartans in March 2018.  His legacy is an important part of Orono Spartan Hockey.