Sports
Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks Growing New Crop of Players
With few returning varsity players, Hawks look to make the most of the season with a young team
The young Hawks hockey team will have a much needed break this week after a 1-5-1 start to the season.
"We return only a few players with varsity experience and lose a goalie in Trent Kallas who was a three-year starter," Hawks coach Bill Rooney said.
Last year, Kallas and company led the Hawks to a 14-11 overall record with a 5th-place finish in the North Suburban Conference. They bowed out in the Section 6AA quarterfinals in a 13-0 route by Wayzata.
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This season, the Hawks will have to overcome the loss of 10 seniors to graduation. That includes their top-three scorers.
Sam Morgen, Tom Monteiro and Joe Lavalier will be looked to for more point production this season. The each had either double digits in goals or assists last year. Monteiro has started the season strong with 14 points.
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Hawks goalie Angel Hillstrom has also had some brighter moments this season. He held Shakopee to a goal when the Hawks won 4-1 early in the season.
Their section, 6AA, provides a great deal of challenges with Benilde-Saint Margaret, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Hopkins and Eden Prairie. The North Suburban Conference provides just as much competition with BSM, Totino-Grace and Saint Louis Park.
The Hawks return to action on Dec. 28 when they play in a holiday tournament in Silver Bay.
TEAMS TO WATCH
Totino-Grace - The Eagles usually reload with more talent and make a run at state.
Benilde-Saint Margaret - The Red Knights have a senior-laden and exceptionally talented team.
Saint Louis Park - The Orioles have started hot with a five-game winning streak.
KEY RETURNERS
Grant Besse (Benilde-Saint Margaret) - He has already piled on the points for the Red Knights with 18 in their first five games.
TJ Roo (Totino-Grace) - He leads the team in points.
Andrew McDonald (Totino-Grace) - He gives the Eagles some offensive fire power.
Christian Horn (Benilde-Saint Margaret) - The second leading scorer on the Red Knights gives them more offensive power.
Anders Jecha (Benilde-Saint Margaret) - Skaters have a hard time putting the puck past this goalie.
KEY LOSSES
Trent Kallas (Cooper) - Started at goalie for three years with the Hawks.
Andrew Habel (Chisago Lakes) - His 78 points from last season leaves huge skates to fill for the Wild Cats.
PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Grant Besse (Benilde-Saint Margaret) - He is off to great start on one of the top teams in the state.