Dream Dies for BSM Boys Hockey

For the most part, the Benilde-St. Margaret's boys hockey team played the Wayzata Trojans, who are ranked No. 4 in the state, dead even in the first and third periods Saturday night. It was the middle period where the game was lost for the No. 5 Red Knights, whose season ended with a 6-3 defeat in the Section 6AA semifinals at the Bloomington Ice Garden.

The first period was marred by penalties, though BSM failed to capitalize on several power plays. The Red Knights were, however, able to tie the score at 1-1 with only 15 seconds remaining in the opening stanza.

But led by senior forward Tyler Klein, who had a hat trick in the game, the Trojans erupted for three goals in the second period to take a commanding 4-1 lead.

Wayzata added to its lead with 11:32 remaining in the third period on Klein's third goal of the game, leaving Benilde-St. Margaret's with a seemingly insurmountable 5-1 deficit.

Still, the Red Knights fought back, as they began to unleash the speed and scoring prowess that allowed them to get goals in bunches and dominate teams throughout their 21-4 regular season.

After two quick goals with under five minutes remaining in the game, the score was 5-3 and the Red Knights were on the verge of doing the improbable. However, an empty-net goal by the Trojans brought the score to 6-3, ending any hopes of a furious comeback and the Red Knights run through the playoffs.

Shots on goal for the game were fairly close, with Benilde-St. Margaret's having the edge, 33 - 28. Unfortunately for the Red Knights, they were mostly unable to penetrate a suffocating Wayzata defense that clamped down around the net, deflecting many shots off target.

Wayzata will play Eden Prairie for the Section 6AA championship on Wednesday evening at the University of Minnesota's Mariucci Arena.