The Three Key Door for Benilde-St. Margarets
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Every team in the state, whether it is a defending state champion or a struggling squad, starts their season out with a door that stands between them and success. Nonetheless, every team is just as capable of unlocking their potential…
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Continue ReadingEvery team in the state, whether it is a defending state champion or a struggling squad, starts their season out with a door that stands between them and success. Nonetheless, every team is just as capable of unlocking their potential through an interwoven combination of skill, strategy, leadership, and coaching. In this new series kicking up here for Prep Hockey, I will be taking a look at the three keys each and every team in the state needs to open up the door that stands between them and a great year by their unique standards. The Red Knights, a Class AA powerhouse who fell just short of a state tournament berth last season, will take the spotlight today.
Key #1: One of the Best
Drew Stewart Drew Stewart 5'7" | Forward Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2024 State MN has been the number one ranked Class of 2024 skater on this site for over a year now, and for good reason. The Notre Dame commit ripped 24 pucks into the net last season, assisting 29 goals on top of this to push his point total to 53, a mark that led his team by nearly 20. The clear cut star of the program, Stewart combines speed, smarts, and a wicked shot to create an athlete that opposing teams need to keep tabs on at all times, or get punished for their insolence. The 5-foot-7, 150 pound forward is among the best returning players on any roster, and the Red Knights should utilize him accordingly. The team averaged over five goals per game last season, and could be poised for more if Stewart’s already absurd production increases, something that will likely happen considering he has had a full offseason to sharpen his skills. Benilde’s window with this guy on its roster is closing fast, and if the Red Knights want to have a special season, they would be wise to put Stewart in a position to pile on the points.
Key #2: A Mason McElroy Mason McElroy 5'10" | Goalie Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2024 State MN Redemption Arc
One of the best goalies in Red Knight history, rising senior Mason McElroy Mason McElroy 5'10" | Goalie Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2024 State MN has been manning the net for his team since his sophomore year, a season in which he made his name known across the state of prep hockey. McElroy put up unbelievable numbers that baffled opponents considering both his age and lack of varsity experience between the pipes. His 17-5 record, 1.77 Goals Against Average, and .925 save percentage were all among the best in the state at any grade level, much less as a sophomore. McElroy enjoyed statewide recognition for this breakout performance, but his junior year saw him fall back down to earth a little bit. He failed to match his win total, allowed nearly three goals per game, and his .895 save percentage was a full 30 points lower than the year prior. Whether it was losing key pieces, a slump, or some combination of both, one thing is clear: McElroy needs to get back to his sophomore campaign levels of production, and he definitely has the skill to do it. As an added bonus, the Red Knights are bringing back the majority of their defensive core, all of whom should fare much better with another year of varsity experience under their belt (Freshman Mason Minor was among the top performers on this unit). McElroy will have his work cut out from him, but his upcoming performance should be bolstered by a more experienced defensive unit.
Key #3: Defense, Defense, Defense
As aforementioned, the Red Knights sported a young, inexperienced defensive unit last season that saw its fair share of struggles and success, but were able to mostly stave off opponents thanks to a handful of young guys stepping up and playing well. Rising sophomore Mason Minor enjoyed a memorable debut year in which he put up 4 goals and 19 assists, all while adding some solid play on the defensive end as well. Mason Stenger Mason Stenger 6'1" | Defense Benilde-St. Margarets | 2024 State MN and Maceo Phillips Maceo Phillips 6'5" | Defense Benilde-St. Margarets | 2024 State MN bring some size to this defensive corps as well. The two tower over the majority of opposing skaters, being listed at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds and 6-foot-5, 197, respectively. On top of size, Stenger scored 22 points last season, while Phillips put up 21 of his own. This unit is on the younger side, with Stenger being the lone senior, but their collective skill is undeniable. With Stewart in front of them and flanked by McElroy, the Red Knight defensemen will likely be the difference when it comes to this upcoming team being a skilled, but ultimately forgettable program, or a state title contender.
What Lies Behind the Door: The Red Knights are not short on talent on the offensive end, as Drew Stewart Drew Stewart 5'7" | Forward Benilde-St. Margaret's | 2024 State MN is poised to lead one of the better attacks across the state. There are guys to support Stewart all over the offensive end, and McElroy is a proven veteran due for a bounce-back year, but the defense seems to be the X-factor that will make or break this team. Fresh off an 18 win season, the Red Knights are nothing to scoff at, and if they can start clicking all across the ice, this team could go very, very far in the postseason.