BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sanford Center) -- Despite out shooting the No. 5 team in the country 36-22, the Bemidji State University men's ice hockey team was defeated by Michigan Tech Friday evening at Sanford Center, 2-1. Markus Gerbrandt scored BSU's lone goal in the contest.

After a scoreless first period, Michigan Tech built and took a two-goal lead by the eight-minute mark, using a short-handed goal by C.J. Eick and an even-strength goal by Alex Petan.  Markus Gerbrandt would tip a shot from Brett Beauvais past the MTU goaltender, Jamie Phillips, at the 15:49 mark of the period, but that was all the scoring BSU could muster.

BSU got four power-play opportunities in the game, but were unable to convert, snapping a two-game string of power-play goals. The Beavers also held the MTU power-play unit without a goal in two opportunities, but the Huskies won the special teams battle netting its first short-handed goal of the season early in the second period.

Getting his fifth start of the season, freshman Michael Bitzer was the goal of record for the Beavers, seeing his record dip to 2-3-0. He made 20 saves.

The Beavers, now 3-6-0 and 2-3-0 in WCHA play look to salvage a series split tomorrow at 7:07 p.m. when the same team take the Sanford Center ice to wrap up the WCHA series.

As a part of Military Appreciation weekend at BSU, all current of former members the military are eligible for a buy-one, get-one free ticket deal and free popcorn for tomorrow night's game when presenting proper ID at the Sanford Center Bob Lowth Ford Pickup Window.

Bemidji State Notes:

• With tonight's win, Michigan Tech takes a slight edge in the series, 6-5-4, however, BSU owns a 4-3-0 record when playing the Huskies in Bemidji, Minn.
• Five of the last seven meetings between the teams have been decided in overtime, with MTU owning a 2-0-3 edge in those OT games.
• BSU continues to seek its first victory over Michigan Tech since a 3-1 win at Sanford Center Oct. 22, 2011—a streak spanning seven games (0-4-3).
• Bemidji State surrendered its fifth short-handed of the season Friday, and has allowed a short-handed goal in each of its last three games. No NCAA Division I team in the country has allowed more short-handed goals.
• BSU's five shorties allowed in nine games has already surpassed the amount surrendered in nine (2001-02, 2003-04, 2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14) of its 16 seasons since moving to the NCAA Division I level.
• Markus Gerbrandt netted his fourth goal of the season to match Nate Arentz for the team lead. Gerbrandt now leads the team in scoring with eight points (4g-4a).
• Brett Beauvais posted his third assist of the season. The freshman blueliner leads all BSU newcomers in assist scoring.
• Posting his fourth assist of the season Friday, Brendan Harms now has three helpers in three career games versus Michigan Tech.
• BSU has now lost its last three contests, matching a season-long losing skid of three games stretching from Oct. 11 (L, 2-1 to North Dakota) to and Oct. 31 victory over Alaska (6-1).
• Despite BSU gaining a 36-22 edge in shots on goal and registering a season-high shot total, BSU was defeated, 2-1 Friday, marking its first loss when outshooting an opponent in 2014-15.
• BSU is now 0-6-0 when scoring three or fewer goals this season.
• Following Friday's loss, BSU is 0-5-0 when it opponent scores first. The Beavers are 3-1-0 when they are the first to light the lamp.
• Bemidji State is 2-2-0 at home this season.
• The Beavers failed to net a power-play goal in four chances Friday (0/4), snapping a string of two games with at least one power-play goal. The BSU power play is now 5-for-43 (.116).
• BSU's penalty-kill unit held MTU off the scoreboard (2/2). BSU has snuffed out 34-of-44 opponent power-play opportunities and is at .773 on the season, with a .792 (19/24) mark in WCHA play.
• This season, BSU has been involved in three one-goals games. The Beavers are 1-2-0 in those games.
• Bemidji State wore is Military Appreciation sweaters Friday. BSU is now 1-1-1 when wearing its camo jerseys. Last season the Beavers earned a 4-1 victory before tying 4-4 versus Alaska-Anchorage Nov. 15-16, 2013.
• BSU has now played team ranked among the nation's top 15 in seven of its first nine games. The Beavers are 1-6-0 this season versus nationally-ranked opponents.
• 2014-15 BSU men’s hockey stats
• 2014-15 BSU men’s hockey schedule
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Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooded region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

--bsu--