Offseason Breakdown No. 96: Sauk Rapids-Rice
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 Sauk…
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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 Sauk Rapids-Rice.
How last season went
If you’re looking for a reason into why the Storm finished with a 7-16 regular season record, look no further than the fact they gave up 5 goals per game. That will doom nearly any hockey team.
The darkest part of the season likely came between Dec. 10 and Jan. 23. During that stretch, Sauk Rapids-Rice dropped 11 of 12 games. When the regular season did conclude, the Storm sported wins against Willmar and nearby rival Sartell/St. Stephen.
In the section 5A tournament, Sauk Rapids-Rice came in as the No. 8 seed and started off strong with a 2-0 win against Mora/Milaca in the play-in round. Unfortunately for the Storm, their next tilt was against eventual section champion Monticello and Sauk Rapids-Rice saw its season draw to a close.
Who’s back and who’s gone
Though the Storm struggled last season, they did so with a younger lineup. Each of the team’s three top scorers – Brandon Bokelman, Easton Portner and Cayden Christensen – are set to return after combining for 22 goals and 32 assists.
Meanwhile, Riley Weinand is also set to return as Sauk Rapids-Rice’s main netminder. He ended the season with a .883 save percentage. A highlight came in the win against Sartell/St. Stephen where he picked up a shutout after stopping all 47 shots he faced.
One significant departure is Brady Pesta, who graduates after a 15-point senior season (9 goals, 6 assists).
What to expect next season
It appears the Storm have a chance to take a step forward. That seems possible, especially based on the wild nature of Section 5A and its variance in which squad heads to the Class 1A state tournament.