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 Blaine.
How last season went
The Bengals entered this season coming off of yet another state tournament appearance. Blaine was a contender for the Class 2A crown but fell short in the semifinals. The Bengals returned this season with an experienced core ready to build on that success.
Blaine found that success early and often. The Bengals picked up wins during the regular season against the likes of Edina, St. Michael-Albertville and a pair against Maple Grove. They were aided by an offense that netted 4.8 goals per game.
While competing for the Northwest Suburban Conference title, Blaine heated up near season’s end. The Bengals won seven of their final nine games to close out the regular season. Their 17-8 overall record and 11-1 conference record was good enough for second in the conference and the top seed in Section 5AA.
As the defending section champion, the rest of the section field had its eye on finally knocking out Blaine. In the quarterfinals, the Bengals rolled past Coon Rapids but didn’t find that ease against Totino-Grace in the semifinals as Blaine eked out a 1-0 win.
In what has become almost an annual tradition, the Bengals and Crimson met in the section final. After a few years of Blaine dominance, Maple Grove delivered a counter punch as the Crimson went on to a 3-0 win.
Who’s back and who’s gone
The success of the Bengals this past season came on the backs of some key senior leaders. That included Cole Hansen (25 goals, 35 assists), Carson Richels (27G, 26A) and Hunter Hanson Hunter Hanson Forward Blaine | 2020 State MN (16G, 17A). Jonah Simonson also graduated after posting a .874 save percentage in six appearances.
Jack Reimann was a 35-point scorer a season ago. He’s set to return after dishing out 22 assists last season. also is slated to be the No. 1 goaltender when next season begins after posting a .908 save percentage last season.
What to expect next season
This past senior class looked like it could be the group to break through to a possible state championship. That didn’t happen, which means there are holes to fill. But for anyone who’s followed hockey in this state long enough knows that Blaine rarely rebuilds and rather reloads. Bengals fans should hope that’s the case next season.