Over the years, the Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls’ hockey team has consistently been ranked among the top teams in the state. Despite this, the Red Knights have failed to make the state tournament the past 5 years, suffering three consecutive losses to the Minnetonka Skippers in the section 6AA championship. Led by a strong nucleus of seniors that includes 6 division one commits, the Red Knights look for redemption as they hope to make their first state tournament appearance since 2008.

This year’s team hopes to build on an already rich tradition of Red Knight girls hockey that includes two state championships in 2002 and 2004. “As a team, our main goal is to come together as one and make it to state and hopefully win. If we play as a team, there aren’t that many teams capable of beating us,” senior captain and Penn State University commit Caitlin Reilly said.

After finishing the 2012-2013 season with an overall record of 25-3, the Red Knights look to continue their winning ways as the new season commences. Despite losing the majority of their defensemen to graduation and transfers, the girls don’t think their defense will be much of an issue, thanks in large part to senior goaltender Abbey Miller, who committed to Syracuse last spring. “Along with our 7 returning forwards, the strength of our team will definitely be in goal where Abbey Miller will have a great season,” Reilly said.

The Red Knights looked as strong as ever when they defeated the Breck Mustangs by a score of 4-0 to kick off the 2013-2014 campaign. Four different players scored for BSM, and Miller made 12 saves to record her first shutout of the season. Despite the good start, the girls know that they are far from reaching their goals this season. “Having 8 seniors on the team we know that this is our last chance to make the state tournament, so we don’t want to blow that opportunity again,” Reilly said.