Worst-to-first turnaround makes for dream season at Hamline

Reporting and photo by MATTHEW DAVIS

It suffices to say Cinderella on Ice came to Hamline University this winter.

The Pipers men’s hockey team turned around a program that had three wins since the 2012-2013 season to knock on the door of the NCAA Division III Frozen Four in March. Only eventual national runner-up Wisconsin-Stevens Point stood in Hamline’s way.

Despite trailing 2-0 after two periods in the NCAA quarterfinals on March 21, the Pipers fought back twice to pull within a goal of the Pointers during the third period. It took a Pointers empty netter with little time left to avert a Hamline comeback in a 4-2 loss for the Pipers.

It prevented an improbable trip for Hamline to travel just a few miles to the University of Minnesota’s Ridder Arena for the Frozen Four. Nonetheless, the Pipers made a turnaround that rivals the best of any team, in any sport, at any level.

Hamline went 14-11-4 overall and won the MIAC tournament championship. The Pipers had a previous two-season 3-41-6 mark.

First-year coach Cory Laylin took the reins for the Pipers and led the turnaround. The Hamline coach formerly played Division I hockey with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 1990s.

Joe Rubbelke had another strong season for the Pipers with 23 points. The three-time All- MIAC award winner and North St. Paul native had plenty of help around him this time.

Charlie Adams led the Pipers in scoring with 19 goals and had 33 points for the season. Brand Zurn had the second-highest total with 15 goals and 18 assists.

John Sellie Hanson had a good season in goal for the Pipers with a 2.93 goals allowed average and a .914 save percentage. He went 12-9-3 in net.

MSHSL varsity boys lacrosse comes to St. Paul schools

Como Park, Central and members of the other St. Paul Public Schools will compete at the MSHSL varsity level for boys lacrosse this spring.

The St. Paul Celts co-op has been part of the MBSLA for 15 season and looks poised to make noise in the MSHSL field. The Celts, a top-five regular over the past eight years, ranked fourth among MBSLA teams last season.

Returning MBSLA All-State seniors Carter McCoy and Austin Cameron return at attack and defense respectively. Brady Olsen, also a senior, made MBSLA All-Conference last year.

Delcan Flynn and Bjorn Holm will be looked to for contributions as part of a strong Celt freshman class. Three freshmen from the Team Minnesota U15 have come on board for the Celts, which will give them an added boost for talent.

“We are laying the foundation for future seasons with St. Paul Public Schools, and with the St. Paul Celts team being split into third, we find ourselves with veteran leadership as well as a strong youth movement,” Celts coach Ben Mooney said.

Nonetheless, life in a new league will have its challenges, though Mooney plans to keep the same system, which brought previous success for the Celts.

“Our opponents may not know us other than from our past program, but a new year, program and having the backing of the St. Paul Public School system will breed new life and lend some added motivation to our players,” Mooney said.