Frannies Ready to Take Next Step

Last Season | 15-6-3

Lost in the MMAA Semi-Finals

Tim Benner is back behind the bench for his fifth season as the Red Raiders varsity hockey coach. 2019 did not end the way Benner, nor St. Francis, had hoped but there is something to be said for finishing 13-1-2 in league play.

The Red Raiders season came to an end against St. Joe’s in the MMAA semifinals but they didn’t go quietly. Although their late comeback came up short there was a feeling that St. Francis was no longer going to lay down for the heavyweights of the Catholic league.

Ryan Fitch played in the Bowman Cup last winter, he’s one of a number of solid returning players. The core includes defenseman Jake Sgroi and forwards Connor Yuhas, Hunter Oliver and Alec Dobinski, all seniors.

The defense could be the strength of this St. Francis team, a unit that includes Sgroi, Joe Wujek, Jacob Lewis, Matt Murphy, Bill Kline, Mike Polce and Bryce Herpin.

Brennan Brown looks to be the starter in goal.

Coach Benner spoke especially well of Connor Lupkin and believes the forward has made significant improvements over the summer.

Benner wants this team to be hard to play against. “I’m very excited to work with this group of guys,” Benner said.

The Red Raiders opened their season on Friday with a 2-2 tie against Niagara Wheatfield.

They will play Bishop Timon this afternoon at HarborCenter.

boys ice hockey