A vicious cycle of talent is currently overshadowing the play of Morris/Benson Area’s own version of the Iron Horse, senior goaltender Tony Bruns.

“There is no doubt that in all small town programs there is a greater fluctuation in talent from year to year, but it may not be as much as some would believe,” Morris/Benson Area coach Jeremiah Day said in a recent email. “We still have talented skaters but with the small numbers the support system just isn't there.”

Bruns has been an integral part of that support system, joining the Lightning varsity as a freshman in the 2013-2014 season and playing every possible game in his sophomore and junior seasons.

When Bruns took over in goal, the Lightning were just one year removed from a season in which they went 16-9-0 and featured the state’s leading scorer in Tanner Picht.

Now in his senior season, Bruns is the starting goaltender on a team that has yet to win a game, despite posting eight performances of 50 saves or more throughout the course of the season.

The highlight for Bruns came in the opening game of the season, a 12-0 loss to Litchfield/Dassel/Cokato, in which Bruns made 98 saves, believed to be the national record for high school play.

“The 98-save game just gave a bright light on what I think many of us already knew,” Day said of the record-setting performance. “Although he may not get shutouts, he is going to frustrate the heck out of some potential goal scorers,” Day added.

With a season-opening roster of just 11 skaters, including three who have not played before, Bruns and Day are the pillars of the program.

The roles are fitting ones to end Bruns’ playing career, as Day became the Morris/Benson Area coach the same year Bruns joined the varsity.

“Throughout the last four seasons, we were able to develop a dialogue to know where the other is at with certain situations, whether it be in practice or in a game. At this point reading each others’ body language can say as much as any spoken word,” Day said.

While his 21-60-1 record isn’t sparkling, Day is confident that Bruns’ obvious talent will shine through to attract options to play beyond high school.

“I would guess if he continues with his numbers there will be some interest in him playing after high school at some level,” Day explained. “If and when someone sits down with him, they will quickly realize that Tony is one of those players you want around and want to work with,” Day continued. “Tony's play is such a small part of what makes him a great goalie.”