BSM Headed to State, Jabs Celebrates on Ice

Jack Jablonski wanted to see his Benilde-St. Margaret's teammates make the state tournament.

He'll get his wish.

The Red Knights boys hockey team jumped on Minnetonka early in the Section 6AA championship game Wednesday night and never looked back, rolling to a 5-1 win.

With Jablonski watching from behind the boards, BSM jumped to a quick 2-0 lead on goals from Zack Hale and Jake O'Borsky. Minnetonka answered with a first period goal of its own, but that's all the Skippers would get, as BSM goalie Justin Quale stopped 18 of 19 shots on the night.

O'Borsky ended up with two goals, while Christian Horn and Tyler Ellegard added a goal apiece.

After the game, Jablonski—who suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a game on Dec. 30—went out on the ice in his wheelchair to celebrate with his teammates. (You can see some great photos of BSM's win—as well as Jablonski on the ice—via Rempel Design & Photo's Facebook page)

Jablonski's mom, Leslie, posted the following on his CaringBridge page after the game:

Congratulations to the BSM boys. And to Jack. It brought tears to our eyes to see you on the ice tonight and to hear the crowd chanting your name. You've come such a long way in just two months. Imagine how far you're going to go.

BSM (20-6, No. 6 in Class 2A) will begin its state tournament run on March 8 against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.