Offseason breakdown No. 36: Rochester Mayo
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 Rochester Mayo.
How last season went
The Spartans certainly put themselves in a hole at the beginning of last season as they dropped their first seven games of the season. However, Rochester Mayo rebounded to play hockey at about a .500 pace for the rest of the season.
After battling back, the Spartans settled for a 9-15-1 record, which was propelled by their wins against Winona and Albert Lea to wrap up the regular season.
Rochester Mayo opened its postseason in the play-in round of the Section 1A tournament and routed city rival Rochester John-Marshall 6-1. Next up for the Spartans was top-seeded Lakeville South. The Cougars rolled past Rochester Mayo and the Spartans’ season came to a close.
Who’s back and who’s gone
Will Weick was a key cog in Rochester Mayo’s offensive machine and will be missed as he graduates following a 41-point season (21 goals, 20 assists).
Weick’s production will likely be replaced by the likes of Jaran Hodge, Noah Grethen and Ethan Norman. All three are poised to return after combining for 17 goals and 42 assists.
In net, Max Cothern and Payton Mancuso spent most of the 2019-20 season leading Rochester Mayo. Cothern graduates after posting a .890 save percentage in 18 games. Mancuso will return, however, after appearing in 9 games last season.
What to expect next season
Looking at the roster, the Spartans should be able to show signs of improvement next season. Avoiding a seven-game losing streak at the start of the season will also help that cause.
The biggest challenge for Rochester Mayo year in and year out continues to be the fact the Spartans have to get past the two Lakeville schools in Section 1AA. While Rochester Mayo plays in the Big Nine, which features a number of Class 1A schools, the Lakeville Schools play a Class 2A schedule and in the South Suburban Conference, which is filled with top Class 2A programs.