Benilde-St. Margaret's Boys Hockey

Benilde-St. Margaret's alum Ben Sauer ('09) is on leave from his studies at Iowa State University to serve his country abroad with the United State Marine Corps.

"Ben was always one of those character guys that you need on a team," Red Knight head coach Ken Pauly said. "He was tough, gritty, and willing to work the corners. He did a great job for us in his three years in the program."

He played two years of junior varisty hockey before cracking the varsity lineup in 2008-09 and saw action in all 28 games that season, registering two goals and eight points. He received the team's Most Determined Player Award, voted upon by his teammates.

Sauer also played three years of varsity football and served as a team co-captain as a senior when he was a starting linebacker and saw extensive playing time at running back.

"I can't say that I'm surprised by his willingness to serve his country," Pauly added. "Ben comes from a great family and it's just who he is. Our entire coaching staff is very proud of him and we will continue to keep him in our prayers."

A corporal in the United States Marine Corps reserve, he is currently stationed at Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan.

Dan Labosky scored a first-period power-play goal to give Benilde-St. Margaret's a 1-0 lead in the first period.

However, Burnsville went onto score on four of five power-play chances and the ninth-ranked Blaze handed the second-ranked Red Knights a 5-1 loss.

Back-to-back penalties by Burnsville in the opening period gave BSM a 5-on-3 power play with six minutes, 38 seconds to play in the opening period and Labosky's shot from the top of the right faceoff circle found the back of the net to put the Red Knights on top.

Christian Horn picked up an assist on the goal to tie the school record for career assists with 87.

The Blaze used a pair of power-play chances in the second period to generate half of their 12 shots on goal in the stanza and scored both times, getting goals barely three minutes apart to take a 2-1 lead with 4:42 to play in the frame.

Burnsville used its size to dominate the play around the net, getting four of its goals on scrambles around the net and their final goal, with 25.3 seconds to play in the game, came on a 4-on-3 power play with Hunter Anderson scoring on a tip from in front of the net to record his fifth point of the game.

The loss, the worst for BSM since a 7-2 defeat by Centennial, Dec. 29, 2009, saw the Red Knights hold a 38-29 advantage in shots on goal but Blaze goalie Chris Mallon turned aside 37 shots.

Next up for BSM is its home opener Saturday, versus the Marshall School of Duluth. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Recreation Center.