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 Breck.
How last season went
The Mustangs’ first three games of the 2019-20 season did not go as planned as they dropped all three games, putting themselves in a hole. From there, however, Breck managed to play .500 hockey.
While accumulating a 13-10-1 regular season record, the Mustangs earned victories against the likes of St. Paul Academy, Armstrong/Cooper, Minneapolis and North Branch. They also managed a second place finish in the IMAC Conference.
Heading into section play, Breck was good enough to be the No. 3 seed in the Section 2A tournament. The Mustangs started strong with a 5-1 win against Minneapolis in the quarterfinals.
Things got tougher in the semifinals as Breck faced Delano. The Tigers won 4-2 on their way to a section championship.
Who’s back and who’s gone
The good news for the Mustangs is this group that had its ups and downs last season has a solid number of returners. That includes the team’s top three point-getters: Beau Courneya, Nick Mikan and Caden Morgan.
Courneya is someone to watch when it comes to the race for the 2021 Mr. Hockey Award. He tallied 23 goals and 33 assists as a junior. Mikan and Morgan were both key offensive pieces and are set to return following a season where they combined for 32 goals and 41 assists.
In net, Sean Reiling graduated after posting a .898 save percentage in 17 appearances. Meanwhile, Jack Thomson will return and likely earn more playing time after posting a .897 save percentage in nine appearances.
What to expect next season
If you examine last season’s Section 2A tournament along with previous results, it’s safe to say that it’s open to anyone for the taking. With Breck’s returning talent, the Mustangs are certainly one of those teams capable of capturing a section crown.