The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Girls Hockey Team is in full swing for the 2025-2026 season. They are prepared and determined to have another excellent season, just like last year. This group of girls is prepared and willing to put in the work to reach their goals this year, already on a high from having secured seven wins.
This team is motivated and looking forward to what’s in store for the rest of this season. They just had their Holiday Classic tournament, which went well. BSM hosted this tournament, which is fun and exciting for the team, as they get to play against many different opponents. The hockey captains are hoping their team culture will carry them to where they want to be, eager to break barriers and head to the state tournament. The team is super close and feels like they know each other better than in previous years. “Our team culture is super good, and we’re all super close. We’re like a family, and it makes us play a lot better on the ice, because we play as a team,” junior captain Katie Zakrajsheck said.
This year, the team built on its team culture and ability to overcome challenges. There are many new players added to the program, and it’s been challenging to adjust; however, many players have been getting more comfortable with the team. With the upperclassmen’s support, the new players have grown as players both on and off the ice. To make everyone feel welcome, the team pairs veteran players with their newer teammates as “big sisters” and “little sisters.” This helps younger players have a chance to lean on and learn from someone older with more experience. With all the support and positivity surrounding the team, camaraderie has been built, making the Girls Hockey team stronger than ever. “Everyone is super eager to learn a lot more from each other, and we all are just in it for each other,” Zakrajsheck said.
The Girls Hockey team has overcome many obstacles so far this season. They have learned how to handle pressure when facing difficult opponents, leaning on and supporting each other during the more difficult games, and trusting each other as a team under greater pressure. With everyone’s support and a positive attitude, these girls can overcome any obstacle. “We have been working on relying on others around us and trusting ourselves as a team. I think when we’ve been getting stressed, we’ve looked to each other for our support system,” junior captain Talla Hansen.
The Girls Hockey team is ready for whatever comes their way and has been working hard every day. Come out and support the girls at Saint Louis Park Rec Center!