Armstrong/Cooper Wings boys hockey concluded the 2023/24 season with a 5-1 loss to Benilde-St. Margaret’s at St. Louis Park Recreation Center on Feb. 22 in the Section 6AA quarterfinals.
The Red Knights put together an impressive regular season, earning an overall record of 20-4-1 and finishing second in the Metro West Conference. Over the course of the regular season, the team collected wins over the likes of Chanhassen (20-5), Holy Angels (15-9-1), Orono (17-8), and Champlin Park (15-9-1).
Benilde-St. Margaret’s made a statement of intent late in the first period, scoring three goals from eventually 19 shots to take a substantial lead despite hard defensive work by Armstrong/Cooper. The first two goals came partnered in a quick sequence, scored 21 seconds apart by Westan Quirk and Caleb Koskie.
The Wings had made moments of promise in the first period, creating chances for the likes of Jameson Essen and Tanner Rausch. That work paid off in the second period when Rausch scored the period’s only goal to close the gap to 3-1. The goal came despite a drop in shots from seven to four.
Benilde-St. Margaret’s ensured that the Wings efforts did not spring a comeback, however, scoring two goals in the third period to widen the gap and ensure their spot in the next round.
Goalie Ryan Melsha made 44 saves for Armstrong/Cooper against Benilde-St. Margaret’s, concluding a valiant season in goal on his behalf.
The Wings conclude the season with a 5-7 conference record, 12-14 overall. Rausch led on points with 27 goals and 18 assists, while Goergen combined 16 goals and 26 assists while Essen scored 13 and assisted 28.
The team graduates nine seniors, including Dane Yeager, Dayton Franke, Jack Jangula, Adian Cook, Jameson Essen, Charlie Goergon, Tanner Rausch, Andrew Morgan, and John LeMieux.
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