Photo by Matt Dahlseid Marshall boys hockey coach Kori Pearson returned to the bench on Dec. 17, after his wife, Sadie, died from meningitis complicated by lupus.

MARSHALL – Kori Pearson glides across the ice, running drills, calling out tips, getting his team ready for what he knows is a big game. It’s Wednesday afternoon. The next evening, the Marshall boys hockey team is set to face New Ulm, a team undefeated in the South Central Conference. Pearson, head coach of the Tigers, knows his team will need to be sharp. By focusing his players on their game, Pearson is distracting himself. During these brief times each day, he’s getting his mind off of Sadie. But when Pearson leaves the ice, his mind goes back to Sadie, the 32-year-old wife he lost on Thanksgiving. Sadie Pearson died from meningitis complicated by her lupus on Nov. 26. Kori has had trouble finding enough sleep. He’s suddenly a single father with one son in second grade and another just nine months old. “She was my best friend,” Pearson said. “It’s tough, her not being around. Everything’s a reminder.