High school hockey in Minnesota has a long history of excellence and excitement that has been going on for many generations. Minnesota high school hockey is a big factor in producing top tier hockey prospects that end up playing in the National Hockey League (NHL). Players, parents, and coaches alike hold each new season with the same excitement as the last season.

With the 2020-2021 season coming up soon, many questions have been asked regarding COVID-19 and if the kids are gonna be able to have a season. According to the Overtime Hockey Podcast, the original plan was for the season to begin on the 23rd of November and have a total of 18 games between conference competitors. With Governor Walz delaying winter sports for another month no one knows when the season will start. “The guys and I [were] very excited to hear this news about a season; now, we have to wait and see what the future holds,” junior captain Brady Yakesh said.

In order for the players to have a high school hockey experience and to play more games they made a season called the “bridge” season. The high school teams are able to pick how many games they play and who they play against. The season began in late October and will be roughly a month long. “It is essentially a Minnesota hockey sponsored captain’s practice,” boys hockey coach Ken Pauly said on the Overtime podcast.

Senior Asher Connolly was very excited to hear about the bridge season and is getting more prepared than ever to have his last ride be a good one. “This off-season I have been working out a lot with my teammates getting ready for this upcoming season,” Connolly said.

The Benilde- St. Margaret’s boys hockey team is looking to build good chemistry during this bridge hockey season and become the best team possible. “I just want to play games with all my buddies for our last hoorah,” Connolly said.