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Edina vs Benilde Hockey – A Rivalry Worth Watching

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The rivalry between Edina vs Benilde hockey teams is one that has captured the attention of hockey enthusiasts for years. Both schools, located in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, boast strong hockey programs with a rich history of success. In this article, we will delve into the details of this intense rivalry, highlighting key moments, notable players, and the factors that contribute to the excitement surrounding these two teams.

As the winter season approaches, there’s one thing that hockey fans in Minnesota eagerly anticipate: the annual showdown between the Edina Hornets and the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights. The rivalry between these two teams is legendary, with each game drawing large crowds and showcasing some of the best high school hockey talent in the state. In this blog post, we will dive into the history of both teams, explore the rivalry, highlight key moments, and discuss the players to watch in the upcoming season. So, grab your jerseys and get ready for an in-depth look at the Edina vs Benilde hockey rivalry.

History of the Rivalry

  • Edina and Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM) have been battling it out on the ice for decades.
  • Both schools have a strong tradition of success in Minnesota high school hockey.
  • The rivalry has intensified over the years, with several memorable games and playoff matchups.

Edina Hornets: A Brief History

  • Founded in 1949
  • 13 state championships
  • Numerous NHL alumni
  • Known for their strong defensive play and disciplined style

The Edina Hornets have a storied history dating back to their founding in 1949. Over the years, the team has won an impressive 13 state championships, making them one of the most successful high school hockey programs in Minnesota. The Hornets have also produced numerous NHL alumni, including Brian Burke, Dave Langevin, and Curt Giles. Known for their strong defensive play and disciplined style, the Hornets are a force to be reckoned with on the ice.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights: A Brief History

  • Founded in 1974
  • 3 state championships
  • Known for their high-scoring offense and fast-paced play
  • Strong sense of community and support from fans

The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights were founded in 1974 and have since become one of the top high school hockey programs in the state. With three state championships under their belt, the Red Knights have made a name for themselves with their high-scoring offense and fast-paced play. The team also benefits from a strong sense of community and support from their fans, making their games an exciting experience for all involved.

The Rivalry: Edina vs Benilde

  • Dates back to the 1970s
  • Intense competition between the two teams
  • Both teams have a strong desire to win and prove themselves
  • Games often have playoff implications

The rivalry between the Edina Hornets and the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights dates back to the 1970s, with both teams consistently battling for supremacy on the ice. The intense competition between the two teams stems from their strong desire to win and prove themselves as the best in the state. With both programs having a history of success, their games often have playoff implications, adding even more excitement and tension to the rivalry.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

  • 1982 State Championship game
  • 2012 Section 6AA Championship game
  • 2018 State Championship game
  • Numerous regular-season showdowns

Throughout the history of the Edina vs Benilde rivalry, there have been several key moments that have stood out. In 1982, the two teams faced off in the state championship game, with Edina emerging victorious. In 2012, the Red Knights defeated the Hornets in the Section 6AA Championship game. Propelling them to a state championship that year. More recently, in 2018, the two teams clashed in the state championship game once again, with Edina claiming the title. In addition to these high-stakes games. There have been numerous regular-season showdowns that have provided thrilling hockey action for fans of both teams.

Players to Watch

  • Upcoming stars from both teams
  • NHL prospects
  • Players who have made significant contributions to their team’s success

As with any great rivalry, the Edina vs Benilde hockey games showcase some of the best high school hockey talent in Minnesota. Keep an eye out for upcoming stars from both teams who are poised to make a significant impact in the coming season. Additionally, there are several NHL prospects who have the potential to take their game to the next level. Finally, be sure to watch for players who have made significant contributions to their team’s success, as they will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.

Notable Players and Alumni

Edina

The Hornets have produced numerous NHL players, including Anders Lee, Jake Gardiner, and Kieffer Bellows.

Benilde

BSM has also sent several players to the NHL, such as Ryan McDonagh, Grant Besse, and Christian Horn.

Both schools consistently produce Division I college hockey players, further fueling the rivalry.

Key Matchups and Moments

2012 Minnesota State High School League Tournament

In a thrilling game, BSM defeated Edina 5-1 to win their first-ever state championship.

2018 Section 6AA Championship

Edina avenged their earlier loss by defeating Benilde 5-2, earning a trip to the state tournament.

Regular Season Matchups

Each year, fans eagerly anticipate the regular season games between the two schools, which often have playoff implications.

The Impact of Coaching

  • The role of coaches in shaping the teams and rivalry
  • Edina’s Curt Giles: former NHL player and successful coach
  • Benilde’s Ken Pauly: experienced and well-respected coach
  • The strategic battle between the two coaching staffs

An often overlooked aspect of the Edina vs Benilde hockey rivalry is the impact of coaching. Both teams have been fortunate to have experienced and successful coaches guiding their players and shaping the identity of their respective programs.

Curt Giles, the head coach of the Edina Hornets, is a former NHL player who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. Under his guidance, the Hornets have continued to find success on the ice and have maintained their reputation as a disciplined and defensively strong team.

On the other side, Ken Pauly, the head coach of the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights, is a well-respected figure in the Minnesota high school hockey community. With his experience and coaching expertise, Pauly has helped shape the Red Knights into a high-scoring, fast-paced team that is always a threat on the ice.

The strategic battle between the two coaching staffs adds another layer of depth to the rivalry. As each coach looks to outsmart the other and lead their team to victory.

The Role of the Fans

  • Passionate fanbases for both teams
  • The “Cake Eaters” of Edina
  • The “Red Army” of Benilde-St. Margaret’s
  • Creating an electric atmosphere during games

A key element that fuels the Edina vs Benilde hockey rivalry is the passionate fanbases of both teams. The Edina fans, affectionately known as the “Cake Eaters,” are known for their unwavering support of the Hornets and their dedication to attending games and cheering on their team.

Similarly, the Benilde-St. Margaret’s fans, dubbed the “Red Army,” are a loyal and enthusiastic group that rallies behind their team and creates a boisterous atmosphere during games.

The energy and passion of both fanbases contribute to an electric atmosphere during games. Making the rivalry even more intense and exciting for players and spectators alike.

The Future of the Rivalry

  • The continued success of both programs
  • The next generation of talented players
  • The ongoing battle for supremacy in Minnesota high school hockey

As we look ahead to the future of the Edina vs Benilde hockey rivalry. It’s clear that both programs will continue to be successful and produce talented players. With each new season comes a fresh crop of talent, eager to make their mark on the storied rivalry and contribute to their team’s success.

The ongoing battle for supremacy in Minnesota high school hockey will undoubtedly continue. With each team looking to assert their dominance and claim bragging rights over their rival. As fans, we can look forward to many more thrilling games and memorable moments in the years to come.

Factors Contributing to the Rivalry

Youth Development Programs

Both Edina and Benilde invest heavily in their youth hockey programs, helping to develop the skills of young players and fostering a love for the sport. This focus on player development contributes to the high level of talent seen in their high school teams.

Coaching Excellence

The coaching staff at both schools have a wealth of experience and knowledge, which plays a crucial role in their teams’ success. Their ability to effectively communicate and teach the game to their players is a major factor in the ongoing rivalry.

School Spirit

Students, faculty, and alumni from both schools take great pride in their hockey teams. This enthusiasm and school spirit is evident during games, with fans from both sides passionately cheering on their respective teams.

Off-Ice Friendships

Despite the fierce competition on the ice, many players from Edina and Benilde have formed friendships off the ice through youth hockey programs, summer camps, and other shared experiences. These relationships add an interesting dynamic to the rivalry, as players must balance their friendships with their competitive drive.

Community Involvement

Both hockey programs are actively involved in their local communities, participating in charity events, fundraisers, and other initiatives to give back. This involvement strengthens the bond between the teams and their communities, further fueling the rivalry.

Post-Secondary Opportunities

The exposure and success of these high school hockey programs often lead to opportunities for players to continue their hockey careers at the collegiate level. This not only benefits the individual players but also adds prestige to the schools’ hockey programs and intensifies the rivalry.

Alumni Support

Former players from both Edina and Benilde often return to support their alma mater during key games and playoff series. Their presence serves as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of the rivalry, inspiring current players to continue the legacy.

Local Business Support

Local businesses in Edina and Benilde-St. Margaret’s communities often show their support for the teams by sponsoring events, offering discounts to fans, and displaying team memorabilia. This support from the business community helps to further cement the rivalry and its importance in the area.

Geographical Proximity

The close proximity of the two schools adds to the intensity of the rivalry, as players often grow up competing against each other in youth leagues.

Tradition of Excellence

Both schools have a history of success, with multiple state championships and numerous players moving on to college and professional hockey.

Competitive Balance

The games between Edina and Benilde are often closely contested, with both teams bringing their best effort to the ice.

The Impact on the Community

Increased Attendance

The Edina vs Benilde hockey games typically draw large crowds, with fans from both schools eager to support their team.

Local Media Coverage

The rivalry garners significant media attention, with local newspapers and television stations covering the games and their implications.

Community Pride

The success of both hockey programs brings pride to the respective communities, with residents rallying behind their team during key matchups.

In Conclusion

The Edina vs Benilde hockey rivalry is one that captivates fans and players alike. The history, notable alumni, and intense competition make this rivalry a must-watch event for hockey enthusiasts. As both schools continue to produce top-tier talent and compete for championships, the excitement surrounding this rivalry shows no signs of slowing down.

The Edina vs Benilde hockey rivalry is one for the ages, providing excitement and intense competition for players and fans alike. With a rich history and numerous memorable moments, this rivalry showcases the best of high school hockey in Minnesota. As we look forward to the upcoming season, there’s no doubt that the latest chapter in this storied rivalry will be one to remember.

Nazrul Islam: Nazrul is an established author and the esteemed Sports Editor of the ADT Canada Russia Challenge. His passion for sports journalism is evident in each article he crafts, giving life to statistics and scores.
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