BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sanford Center) -- The Bemidji State men's hockey team opened the 2016-17 season with a victory over nationally-ranked Bowling Green State University, Friday at Sanford Center. The Beavers pounced on the No. 15 Falcons early posting a 2-0 lead during the first 13 minutes of play and withstood significant push back in the third to gain the 2-1 victory.

Freshman defender Zach Whitecloud netted his first collegiate goal to get the Beavers on the board just 6:15, and Myles Fitzgerald followed suite at the 12:36 mark.

Michael Bitzer kept BGSU out of the net for 45:01, but Stephen Baylis pushed a Chris Pohlkamp rebound across the line to get the Falcons in the scoring column early in the third period, a frame which BGSU dominated.

The goal would start a rally for the Falcons, who pulled goaltender Chris Nell with 1:47 to play and BSU's Phillip Marinaccio in the penalty box to take a two-man advantage for the final 54 seconds. Despite a shot that rang off the post and out shooting BSU 12-2 in the period, Bitzer and the Beavers' defensive unit withstood the charge.

Bitzer finished the night turning aside 20 of 21 shots he faced en route to earning the victory.

The Beavers and Falcons will settle the WCHA series tomorrow at 7 p.m.

--bsu--