Benilde-St. Margaret’s boys’ hockey is gearing up for another big year after the loss of a few coaches, 12 varsity skaters, 11 seniors, and one three-year junior returner, Mason Minor, who left to play in the USHL. Still looking for a way to the top, the team will need to adapt.
With the departure of many key players, BSM looks to younger ones for their talent. There is a lack of experience compared to other well-established teams, so the hockey team plans to hammer out the fundamentals and the new systems they are putting in. Team bonding activities have become as essential as workouts before the season to get the team close on and off the rink. “We lost 12 players from last year’s varsity team, so we are very young this year. I can already tell the group of guys we have this year is the most competitive team I’ve ever been on. We have been doing a lot of team-building activities to improve our on-ice chemistry for this season, such as volunteering, team workouts, and team meals,” senior captain Nick Johnson said.
The departure of Division 1 commit Minor has a great impact, and his contribution to the team in three years is hard for others to replicate. With Minor being a 3-year varsity returner, the defensive zone will feel open without him. However, younger players Ben Palmer and Cade Callen try to fill that role. The responsibility to keep the defense together is up to senior captain Nick Johnson and senior defender Mason Smith. “Losing our best defenseman really affects the D zone because he was such a strong defender, and without him this year, it will definitely be noticed as he was a solid pillar of the BSM defense for 3 years,” said senior forward Grayson Quirk.
BSM hockey looks to restructure this year after losing both its forward coach, Casey Maikkula, and defense coach, John Russo, from last season. The returners and new kids alike must adapt to the new coaching style of Danny Charelston and the new systems and plays he will coach. “That’s two huge losses, Casey and Russo. We had instant new guys that came in. Danny’s our new D coach. He initially coached here before, [and] he’s super smart [and] a very good coach. Russo left, so we brought up Tanner, who’s a really great coach. He’s gonna be our forward coach. So we’re very excited for the new start we have,” senior captain Keegan Davis said.
As a completely different team, rebuilding chemistry is essential to their success. The six seniors must step up into leadership roles, carry on the traditions, and work to form new connections and mentor new players. “It definitely impacts the team’s chemistry a lot, but the new skaters will drive the team to acquire more leaders and come together as one and win games,” senior forward Riley Shannon said.
The Red Knights are coming together with all their new members of the team, from coaches to players, and building their new team from the ground up. Red Knight hockey is looking to make a statement this year, surprising the teams in their section with their new members, hoping to make it to the new Grand Casino Arena. “Get ready for the Grand Casino Arena this year,” Davis said.
Kpalmer • Nov 18, 2025 at 10:38 pm
Great school great coaches great support staff and all hard workers with a Christian belief