Red Knights stop Breck

by Pete Waggoner

Golden Valley, MN - The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights defeated the state’s top ranked Class 1A team, and two-time defending state champion Breck Mustangs to open the season by a score of 6-3.

The Mustangs (1-1) opened the scoring in the first period on a power play goal by Emily Zumwinkle. The Red Knights (1-0) responded with five unanswered goals of their own, including four in the second period. With six different goal scorers, the young Red Knights who’s roster sports just one senior put their depth on display.

Mary Zavoral evened the game up for the Red Knights in a power play goal early in the second period. Goals by Anna Podein, Avery Junker, and Emma Peschel in a span of 3:14 to pull away from the Mustangs. The Red Knights outshot the Mustangs 18-7 in the second period and 33-27 for the game.

Olivia Haag continued the trend with her team’s fifth goal of the game at 3:02 of the third period opening up a commanding 5-1 lead. The Red Knights capitalized on two of their three power play opportunities to help their games. Goalie Rose Beeman made 24 saves to earn the win in goal for the Red Knights.

The Mustangs fought back with goals by Olivia Mobley and Elly Klepinger to draw to a 5-3 deficit. Emma Hoen rounded out the scoring for the Red Knights with a goal at 13:52. Mustangs goalie Belle Kelly made 27 saves in goal for the Mustangs.

Peschel (1g-4a-3pts), Hoen (1g-2a-3pts), Haag (1g-2a-3pts), and Abby Hancock (2a-2pts) led the way for the Red Knights with multiple point efforts. In all, the Red Knights 9 Red Knights players picked up a point in the win.

The Red Knights next game is at home in an outdoor tilt as they face off against the No. 1AA Andover Huskies Friday night in an outdoor game at the ROC from the St. Louis Park Rec Center. The game will be streaming live on the MNHockey.Tv on Friday night.