Victory boosts confidence leading into rival game
Boys’ hockey prepares for undefeated team
February 11, 2016
The boys’ hockey team’s 13-8 record created confidence for its upcoming game against longtime undefeated rival Benilde-St. Margaret’s, according to coach Terry Keseley.
“For as long as I have been a coach we have never had so many wins. I am very confident that we will play up to Benilde’s caliber,” Keseley said.
According to senior captain Conor Klaers, the team grows stronger each game.
“We take one game at a time which really helps us focus in and play hard. By the end of the season we expect to be playing our best,” Klaers said. “With Benilde being our last regular season game and a big challenge, we want to rise to the occasion.”
The team looks forward to going up against the top team in the state, according to junior Brody Illstrup.
“It is a huge honor to be able to get an opportunity to play against the top teams. It’s even better that they are our rivals and we get to play them in front of the home crowd,” Illstrup said.
Klaers said recent wins boosted the team’s trust in each other and confidence on the ice.
“Our team isn’t scared of anyone. We have the talent to score in bunches and we have proved that to ourselves and everyone else,” Klaers said.
According to Keseley, the team focuses on specific skills during practice to ensure a close game.
“Before games we want to focus on the little things that will help us keep up with the more competitive teams, such as passing and shooting,” Keseley said.
Klaers said playing as the underdog team against the long-time rival will help the team play its best.
“Playing Benilde will bring out the best in us,” Klaers said. “We expect to come out hard and play physically and we are excited to capitalize on their weaknesses and our strengths.”
According to Illstrup, the team looks for support at the game.
“We want to have a lot of community support and are hoping to see a lot of people there,” Illstrup said.
The game takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the St. Louis Park Rec Center.
