BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sanford Center) -- It took its first overtime period of the season, but the Bemidji State University men's hockey team improved to 5-0-0 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play with a 2-1 victory over the University of Alaska Anchorage Friday at Sanford Center. Senior Phillip Marinaccio scored the game-winner 2:05 into the extra frame to secure three points to stay atop the league standings.

Just like they had in their previous six games, the Beavers were first on the scoreboard, getting a power-play goal from Brendan Harms at the 7:23 mark of the first period. The senior was in the right place at the right time, getting his stick behind the UAA goaltender Olivier Mantha to tap in a rebound off a Charlie O'Connor shot. Gerry Fitzgerald was also credited with an assist on the play after a slap shot from the top of the circle that Mantha could not corral.

The goal came on the first of two five-minute major penalties called on the Seawolves.

Despite not being able to capitalize on the second major, the Beavers' 1-0 lead would carry into the third period.

BSU out shot UAA 11-2 in the third, but it was the Seawolves who would light the lamp. With eight minutes to play in the game, Matt Anholt deposited his second goal of the season into the back of a virtually empty net. Michael Bitzer made an initial save, but left the rebound sitting in the crease for Anholt.

Bemidji State's first ovetime ended well. Marinaccio forced a turnover on the boards and tipped a pass to Kyle Bauman to lead the rush. After a shot by Bauman, Marinaccio crashed the net and beat Mantha.

The Beavers (5-2-0; 5-0-0 WCHA) and Seawolves will complete the two-game WCHA series at 7:07 p.m. tomorrow as BSU will partner with Sanford Health and the Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Center to Pink the Rink for breast cancer awareness.

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.

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