Bennies end 21-year MIAC playoff drought

The CSB hockey team defeated St. Olaf in a decisive 3-0 victory on Feb. 11. Not only did the team set the record for the most conference wins (10), but for the first time since the 2001-2002 season, they qualified for the MIAC playoffs. With their win, the team has earned at least the fourth seed, with the possibility of moving up to the second seed, depending on the last few games of the season.

“It is really exciting to be the first team to qualify for playoffs in 21 years. That was before over half of our team was born, so it’s a big deal for us,” senior goalie Ally Frantzick said.

According to Frantzick, the team was full of excitement knowing they were breaking records and making strides this season. Frantzick also made history by setting an individual school record among goalies for the most shutouts in a season (4).

“Our team goals for playoffs are first to ensure that our first game is home. We want every advantage we can get, and not having to travel will be huge,” Frantzick said.

Senior Emily Lemker said qualifying for the playoffs was one of the goals they have been working toward the entire season, so seeing it finally happen was rewarding.

“We were all very excited and I think ready to continue to work so we can have a good run during the playoff part of the season,” Lemker said.

Lemker said the team’s main goal would be to take home the championship, but they mainly want to have a good run during the playoffs and to continue playing.

“I think we have a great bond as a group and we support each other, so we want to do as well as possible in the games we play and continue to grow throughout,” Lemker said.

Going into the game, the team had no idea that their win would clinch the team a spot in the playoffs, according to sophomore defender Jenna Timm.

“When coach came in to let us know that we made the playoffs, there were smiles on our faces. However, when we were told that we haven’t been for 21 years, that’s when we all started to celebrate,” Timm said.

Sophomore Aurora Opsahl is grateful to be part of a successful program that is creating big things for the team’s future.

“We have a lot of potential, and we have put in so much hard work for this to happen. We are so excited, and we all want to prove that we deserve to be there,” Opsahl said.

The team’s goal right now is to beat St. Kate’s to avoid playing the No. 1 seed in the first round. In the playoffs, the team is going one game, one period at a time. They want to start their games off strong but finish even stronger, according to Opsahl.

“This year I have had great opportunities to compete at a high level, and I am so thankful for that. I am so happy to be surrounded by such amazing teammates and have a coach who is great at teaching and supportive of me,” Opsahl said.

The team will start their series against St. Kate’s on Feb. 17 in St. Paul at 6 p.m., with the quarterfinals of the MIAC playoffs beginning on Feb. 23.