Offseason breakdown No. 118: Rochester Century
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 Rochester…
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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 Rochester Century.
How last season went
The regular season for the Panthers was defined by offense. They averaged 5.36 goals per game.
From the start, Rochester Century was on a mission. The Panthers went 10-1 to open the season and rolled on with just three losses and two ties the rest of the way. After a seven-game unbeaten streak to end the regular season, Rochester Century finished with a 19-4-2 regular-season record and a perfect 14-0 mark in the Big Nine Conference.
Despite that success, the Panthers had a long road ahead of them in Section 1AA. As the No. 4 seed, Rochester Century rolled through the quarterfinals with a 5-1 win against Owatonna. Then, things went poorly for the Panthers as they lost 5-1 in the semifinals to eventual section champion Lakeville South.
Who’s back and who’s gone
Joey Malugan (37 goals, 36 assists), Gavin Gunderson (25G, 31A), Sam William (4G, 23A) and Tim Pundt (2.28 goals against average, .915 save percentage) were part of the senior leadership of the 2019-20 Rochester Century squad. They all graduated and now those returning will have to help guide the newcomers to replicate any success.
A player that will certainly be relied upon is Lyncoln Bielenberg-Howarth. He is set to return after tallying 30 goals and 42 assists last season. That was second best on the squad. One of his best performances came against conference rival Mankato East when he earned a hat trick to go along with three assists.
What to expect next season
There are plenty of holes to fill. Amongst them come on offense. But the defense will to improve while competing in Class 2A despite playing most regular season games against Class 1A opponents.