SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Xcel Energy Center) -- Michael Bitzer stopped 26-of-27 shots and Charlie O'Connor, Gerry Fitzgerald and Kyle Bauman each scored a goal to propel the Bemidji State University men's ice hockey team to the 2015 North Star College Cup Championship with a 3-1 victory over No. 1 Minnesota State University, Mankato Saturday at Xcel Energy Center.

The victory marked just the third time since the Beavers made the jump to the NCAA Division I level in 1999-2000, that BSU has knocked off the nation's top team, and it came on a weekend that all of Minnesota was watching.

The Beavers jumped out to an early lead on a backdoor tap in by Charlie O'Connor and it would not look back. Blocking 14 shots and killing three of four MSU power-play opportunities, including over four minutes of a five-minute major, the Beavers' clamped down defensively and made life easier for the Tournament most vauable player, Bitzer.

Midway through the third period, BSU’s Markus Gerbrandt was whistled for a tripping penalty and Minnesota State opted for a penalty shot. Bitzer stood tall and the Beavers rode the momentum to the final buzzer.

Following the event, Bitzer was named North Star College Cup Most Valuable Player.

The Beavers, now 8-12-3 overall and 5-8-3 in WCHA, return to league play Jan. 30-31 when they host Bowling Green State University at Sanford Center. Friday’s series opener will begin at 7:37 p.m. The teams will wrap up the two-game set with a 7:07 p.m. opening face-off Saturday.

Fans looking to attend the series can take advantage of a buy one, get one free ticket special. Beginning Monday at 10 a.m., stop by the Sanford Center Bob Lowth Ford Pickup Window to purchase make your purchase. Those buying their tickets before noon Friday will get two reserved tickets for $31.

--bsu--