Offseason breakdown No. 31: Becker/Big Lake

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 we’re breaking down is Becker/Big Lake.

How last season went

If nothing else, the Eagles started and ended the regular season on a high note. They opened the season with a win and closed the regular season with a win. Everything in between those wins was a different story. Outside of those wins, Becker/Big Lake won just one other game that season. It came in January when the Eagles defeated Sauk Rapids/Rice 5-2.

With Becker/Big Lake struggling the way it did, the Eagles began Section 5A play in the play-in round against Northern Lakes. Becker/Big Lake did not farewell as the Eagles fell 6-2 and ended the season with a 3-23 record.

Who’s back and who’s gone

While Becker/Big Lake took its fair share of lumps this past season, many of those same players will have a chance to improve and learn from the 2019-20 season. While Jaden Keo graduates after a 16-point senior season, Tyler Schmitt, Trent Rupar and Luke Ruppelius all return after being three of the Eagles’ top point-getters last season. They combined for 23 goals and 34 assists last season.

Besides those three scorers, Alec Anderson will also return after spending most of the season as Becker/Big Lake’s starting goaltender. He posted a .856 save percentage last season.

What to expect next season

There’s no doubt the Eagles will have a majority of players on the ice with varsity experience next season. With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine things getting any worse. The biggest question is how much of an improvement can Becker/Big Lake make from last season.