The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights defeated former North Suburban Conference rivals Totino-Grace 7-4 at home on Tuesday, February 12. On top of being the final home game of the regular season, it was senior night at the SLP Rec Center, and the Red Knights’ seniors were given royal treatment by parents and fans.

With arguably the most decorated senior class in BSM hockey history, the importance of the group was evident on Tuesday, as it has been throughout the season. The Moore-Besse-Labosky line has been heralded as one of the greatest lines in high school hockey history, and there’s a valid argument. All three have rewritten the BSM hockey record books, picking up a state championship on the way. “I think the word that comes to mind is ‘historic,’” coach Ken Pauly said.

The seniors once again proved their worth, as Besse recorded his fifth hat trick of the year, and Dan Labosky recorded three assists, setting the school record for most assists in a single season. Labosky also holds the career record for assists. On top of setting numerous school records, both Besse and Labosky are 2013 Mr. Hockey candidates, which is the first time in BSM history where two players are up for the prestigious honor. “It wasn’t so long ago that we never even had a Mr. Hockey candidate, and now that we have two in one year, it’s a significant benchmark in any program,” Pauly said.

The question now is how these “historic” seniors will be replaced in years to come. “I think reloading is always a challenge in high school sports. Even this year it’s not as easy as we thought,” Pauly said. “We lost key players from last year like Jake Horton and Christian Horn, so you have to re-establish yourself, your values are with the new people [in the program].”