Offseason breakdown No. 56: Benilde-St. Margaret’s
With 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 Benilde-St.…
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Continue ReadingWith 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 Benilde-St. Margaret’s.
How last season went
With a young group coming in, there were plenty of people around the state buying into the hype surrounding the Red Knights heading into the 2019-20 season. However, that excitement didn’t translate into overwhelming success early on.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s held an 8-6-2 record with nine games left in the regular season. This is where the Red Knights finally lived up to the hype as they rattled off eight wins in nine games. When the regular season wrapped, they held wins against Edina, Lakeville South, Hill-Murray and Blake.
Following the hot streak at the end of the regular season, Benilde-St. Margaret’s held the No. 2 seed in Section 6AA. The Red Knights held off an upset-minded Holy Angels squad in the quarterfinals with a 6-4 win. Then, a tight battle resulted in a 2-1 win against Cretin-Derham Hall in the semifinals. That set up an all-private school battle in the section finals.
Playing in front of thousands at 3M at Mariucci Arena, Benilde-St. Margaret’s and Blake played a hellacious hockey game that went into overtime. On a highly-discussed play, the Bears earned a penalty shot and clinched their way to state on that play and sent the Red Knights home heartbroken.
Who’s back and who’s gone
Part of the reason for the hype around Benilde-St. Margaret’s was some solid senior talent. That included Cooper Gay, Nate Schweitzer Nate Schweitzer Defense Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2020 State MN and Blake Mesenburg. They graduated after combining for 37 goals and 57 assists.
Looking at the returners, two names stick out: Adam Marshall and Carson Limesand. Marshall is back following a 29-point season (18 goals, 11 assists). Limesand might have the biggest returning impact as the team’s goaltender. He posted a 2.11 goals against average last season along with a .917 save percentage. He has a chance to increase upon his 40 career victories in net so far.
What to expect next season
For those who have kept track of Section 6AA, last season was an anomaly as Edina and Wayzata saw themselves exit early in the tournament. With the looks of their rosters, it’s unlikely they’ll be such small factors again next season. That means the competition will likely increase and those who are returning will have even a bigger challenge as the Red Knights search for their first state tournament appearance since 2012.