Offseason breakdown No. 20: Shakopee
With most sports on hold and the 2020-21 season still months out, it’s time to take a look at teams from all over the State of Hockey and examine what happened this past season and what’s ahead. The next team…
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Continue ReadingWith most sports on hold and the 2020-21 season still months out, it’s time to take a look at teams from all over the State of Hockey and examine what happened this past season and what’s ahead. The next team we’re breaking down is Shakopee.
How last season went
After two games, things were looking up for the Sabers as they won each game. From there, however, things took a bad turn. Shakopee went onto win only four more games all season and did not record a win between Jan. 14 and Feb. 8. The Sabers’ biggest success was likely sweeping their two games against South Suburban Conference foe Farmington.
It was tough sledding for Shakopee as it headed into postseason play, specifically due to the fact the Sabers are part of the ultra-competitive Section 2AA. As the No. 7 seed, Shakopee gave Eden Prairie a run as the game was tied at 1 after two periods. Then, however, the flood gates opened and the Sabers’ season ended in a 4-1 loss in the quarterfinals.
Who’s back and who’s gone
If there are excuses to point to for Shakopee’s struggles, it might be the team’s youth. Luke Schmidt was a senior that carried a lot of the load as he lead the team in points with 16 (4 goals and 12 assists).
The good news for the Sabers is the next three leading point-getters are all set to return to the lineup. Joe Roder, Macalester Dose and Matt Loiselle combined for 15 goals and 19 assists last season and will likely be leaned on next season.
To top things off, both of Shakopee’s goaltenders return. Soren Pederson started 14 games last season and posted a .895 save percentage while Jack Hummel was in net for 12 games and posted similar numbers with a .886 save percentage.
What to expect next season
Across all sports, it appears this growing suburb is on the rise. That looks like it will include hockey. There’s a solid group of returning players coming back and appear to have a chance to rise up in the South Suburban Conference race and the Section 2AA race.