Bennies carry on their three game win streak

The Bennies handed a loss to St. Catherine’s not once, but twice in the same week, now totaling their wins against them to three this season.

Additionally, the Bennies also defeated the Hamline Pipers for the first time since 2015.

Their performances have helped build the team’s confidence as they near MIAC playoffs and conference championships.

Among a talented class of first-years on the CSB hockey team, defensive player Jenna Timm had a standout week with two goals and three assists, which earned her MIAC and CSB Athlete of the Week.

“Each player has come into their role on the team and is executing at a high level… we have excellent goaltending, a solid defensive corps and potent forwards up top. Due to this, a lot of players have been able to pop off individually, and it’s been fun to watch,” head coach Nick Thibault said.

While the Bennies’ success can be contributed to their talent on the ice, there is something that can be said about their family-like team dynamic off the ice.

“We see our team as a family, which fosters a great atmosphere for practice and great support within hockey and everyday life,” senior goalie Maggie Gilchrist said.

As the season nears its end, the seniors begin to reflect on the remainder of their final season as Bennies.

“I am feeling very confident and excited for the remainder of my senior year. We need points these next couple of weekends, but I believe we can get it done. I am so proud of this team, and I am very excited to see what else we can accomplish this year,” senior Zoë Culshaw-Klein said.

Gilchrist shares in this excitement.

“Getting towards the end of my senior season is bittersweet. I am very excited to see what amazing things this team can accomplish the rest of this season and in playoffs, but I will be very sad to see it end,” Gilchrist said.

Both Gilchrist and Culshaw-Klein agree that the Bennies have a good shot at earning a top-five seed in the playoffs and that St. Mary’s is likely to be their biggest competitor going into the conference championships.

However, the conference is highly competitive this year, and there is no prediction of what will come in the next few weeks.

“Each weekend there seems to be a big upset that shuffles everyone around,” Culshaw-Klein said. “Consistently through the past three years it has come down to us and St. Mary’s,”

Regardless of their opponent, the Bennies are ready for a fight to get to the top of the conference.

“They show up to the rink each day with a positive attitude, solid work ethic and the right preparation. They compete every day in practice and have displayed a hunger to improve and win. We’re looking to elevate ourselves to the upper echelons of the MIAC, and the players show up to the rink with a chip on their shoulder looking to do just that,” Thibault said.