Minnetonka x Benilde

Top-ranked Skippers are deep and dangerous offensively

The story: Coach Sean Goldsworthy’s undefeated Minnetonka Skippers opened 2019 with what was perhaps their best chance to lose a game so far in non-conference opponent Benilde-St. Margaret’s. Over three periods, they out-lasted and out-chanced the Red Knights while showing that they very well may be the best team in high school hockey for the second year in a row. Uncommitted junior F Griffin Streeter (2g), Lowell commit F Jack Bayless (3pts), Denver commit D Josh Luedtke (3a), uncommitted junior G Charlie Glockner (.958sv%), Michigan Tech commit D Grant Docter (1ppa)

I liked: Minnetonka. They looked almost as though they were caught on their heels when Benilde came on strong early, but even then they were confident, playing with pace when they were in possession, so it never really seemed like they were going to be in trouble. Benilde have some nice players, but Minnetonka held on from an early burst of pressure and then out-played them over the course of the game.

Josh Luedtke (Denver) and Grant Docter (Michigan Tech) are very effective players at this level. Luedtke’s passing and skill was on display all night, Docter also has the capacity to play very loose and fast offensively. Teddy Lagerback (Arizona State) is another player who catches the eye almost every time he’s out there.

Wanted to see more of: Charlie Bischel, junior forward for Benilde

General notes: Benilde: Blake Mesenburg buried with a strong individual effort beating Docter and Glockner in tight. That saw Minnetonka go down 1-0 in the 1st. Minnetonka: The powerplay got to show off their puck movement on a number of occasions tonight and it was pretty. Mason Hendrickson scored a nice, poised goal cutting in to the net late. Patrick Wyers picked a corner for the fourth goal. Minnetonka’s Charlie Glockner preserves his 1.00 GAA with 23 saves on 24 attempts (.958sv%). Benilde’s 5-game win streak to end 2018 came to a close.

Updated records: Minnetonka (13-0), Benilde-St. Margaret’s (9-4)

Up next: Minnetonka travel to Duluth East (7-2-1) on Saturday, January 5th for a 3:00PM start. They won’t play a Lake conference opponent until January 17th, at Eden Prairie (8-3-1). Benilde will play Metro East private power Hill-Murray (8-2-1) on Saturday at 7:00PM to begin a 3-game home stand.

BOXSCORE

1-1, 2-0, 2-0 | 5-1, Minnetonka Skippers