Northern Star: Benson Peterson

Peterson tallied 17 goals in the first eight games of the season for Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Changing positions can sometimes be an adjustment for players.

But for Duluth Marshall senior striker Benson Peterson, it’s resulted in 17 goals in just eight games of action.

“I’ve adapted my right wing game at striker. I tend to drive more and use my body to shield the ball and it’s led to lots of opportunites opening up at striker and the middle of the field, which is where a lot of the goals are coming from,” said Peterson.

Head Coach Michael Sengbush has coached Peterson the last four years on the pitch. However, he gives credit to his work on the ice for making it a smooth transition.

“You know those tight spaces when he’s getting bodied, it’s nothing. It’s second nature. It’s like he’s in the corner of a hockey game. He can come out with it. He can split them, he’s got enough pace to get beyond them and use his leverage,” said Sengbush.

And his player doubled-down on the pros of being a multi-sport athlete.

“A lot of the hockey players are really good at making 1-2 passes and moving after they make a pass. That leads to a lot of fast movements up the field and we can catch a lot of teams on their heels,” added Peterson.

Success on the field isn’t the only thing Peterson brings to the team.

“Every year he’s like the prototype, the ideal player that you wish could come through a program. There’s no time off. He’s focused. He’s not a disruption. He brings everybody up,” said Sengbush.

All because of one thing, the passion for the game

“He loves his team here on the field as much as the hockey rink,” added Sengbush.

Peterson and Duluth Marshall will next host Cloquet-Esko-Carlton on Thursday at 4 PM.