BEMIDJI, Minn. (Sanford Center) -- Brendan Harms posted a goal and an assist and Michael Bitzer turned aside 16-of-17 the shots he faced as the Bemidji State University men's hockey team improved to 10-2-1 and remained unbeaten in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play (10-0-1-1) with a 2-1 victory over Northern Michigan University, Friday.

For just the second time this season, the Beavers fell behind early on a Philip Beaulieu goal at the 11:19 mark of the first period. The goal would serve as a wake up call for BSU. Forty-nine seconds later (12:08), Brendan Harms struck, netting his fifth goal of the season on a wrap around from Phillip Marinaccio.

The score would remained tied at 1-1 for just 3:15 before Gerry Fitzgerald cast, what would eventually be, the deciding goal to cap a three-on-two rush. The junior received a pass from Harms and Jay Dickman and fired a shot from the high slot that the NMU goaltender, Atte Tolvanen got a piece of, but not enough to keep it out of the back of the net.  It was G. Fitzgerald's fifth goal of the year.

There was no easy ice during the final 40 minutes of play as the teams combined for just 28 shots on net and Bemidji State got the only power-play opportunity of the night, but the Beavers held on for the one-goal victory.

The Beavers and Wildcats return to Sanford Center tomorrow to settle the series. Opening face off is set for 7:07 p.m.

Tickets are still available at the Sanford Center Bob Lowth Ford Pickup Window and begin at $18.

--bsu--