The Royals played their best defensive game of the season to date this past Tuesday.

The Royals defense was nearly impenetrable, allowing only two attempts on goal the whole game. Goalie Kyle Kapphahn, senior, stopped them both.

On the offensive side of the ball, Andy Berris, junior, and Nico Soffer, senior, each scored. Soffer continued to impress on offense, dribbling through three defenders and scoring to give the Royals a two goal lead.

The Royals have now improved their record to 3-5-1 and face a tough challenge with the Minnetonka Skippers coming to their field on Sept. 24.

Minnetonka is currently ranked as the number two team in the state and boasts a top notch offense which has scored four or more goals in six of their games this season.

Minnetonka’s top player, Suad Suljic, is top ten in the state in points and assists. Just over halfway through the season, Suljic has already accounted for 12 goals and 10 assists.

“Suad is a great player, but Minnetonka’s offense is dangerous in other areas of the field as well,” said Noah Peterson senior. “If [the defense] concentrates on just one player, it allows others to step in and make plays, so it’s important for us as a defense to stay calm and composed.”

One Hopkins player who has stood out as of late is defenseman David Contreras, junior.

“David has been playing really well for us, and we trust him to carry that on to Minnetonka,” said Andrew Shirley, senior captain.

The Royals are looking for their first Lake Conference win as they face Minnetonka at 5 pm this upcoming Thursday at the stadium field.