BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team fell 4-2 on New Year's Eve Tuesday night against University of Minnesota Duluth at Sanford Center.
 
Junior Kirklan Irey made a notable impact with his offensive contribution, scoring a power-play goal. Additionally, Austin Jouppi contributed with a goal, further adding to the team's offensive efforts. On defense, Mattias Sholl was crucial in goal, making 30 saves in his 100th career start, becoming just the second goaltender in the Beavers' DI history to reach this milestone.
 
In the post-game interview, Tom Serratore reflected on Bemidji State's performance against Minnesota Duluth. "The first period, we weren't very good," he said. "They came in our barn, and territorially, they won." He acknowledged improvements as the game progressed, stating, "I was proud of our guys the second and third. I thought we played good hockey and I had no issues." Serratore emphasized the importance of learning to win games in the third period, recognizing that "we still got a lot to figure out," but expressed optimism about building on their efforts in practice. Despite the loss, he found positives, noting, "As the game went on, we played more honest, we played better, we possessed it better."
 
Bemidji State struggled to capitalize on their opportunities in the first period against Minnesota Duluth. Their efforts included a power play that did not result in a goal. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs managed to score the only goal of the period with 4:43 remaining, when Jayson Shaugabay fournd the back of the net just after a power play ended. The period ended with Bemidji State trailing 1-0.
 
In the second period, Bemidji State scored twice and Minnesota Duluth scored again, leading to a 2-2 tie by the end of the period. Jouppi scored early at 17:31 with assists from A.J. Macaulay and Reilly Funk, followed by a power-play goal by Irey at 13:12, assisted by Kasper Magnussen and Isa Parekh. UMD responded with goals from Aiden Dubinsky at 14:31. Sholl made multiple saves, withstanding a barrage of shots from the Bulldogs and turned aside nine shots in the period.
 
Bemidji State faced a challenging third period against Minnesota Duluth, ultimately falling 4-2. The Beavers won six faceoffs but struggled offensively, with numerous missed opportunities as Noah Quinn and Tony Follmer each had multiple shots that were either saved or went wide. Despite Mattias Sholl's five saves in the period, Bemidji State couldn't overcome Minnesota Duluth, who secured the game with two goals, including the game-winner by Owen Gallatin.
 
**Period 1** 
- Bemidji State won six faceoffs, maintaining a slight edge in puck possession during the period. 
- UMD scored the only goal of the period, with Jayson Shaugabay finding the net at 4:43. 
 
Period 2
- UMD dominated faceoffs, winning 10 out of 18 in the period.
- Both teams capitalized on power play opportunities, each scoring one goal during their respective power play.
 
Period 3
- UMD scored twice in the period, both goals coming at even strength, contributing to their 4-2 victory.
- Bemidji State had a total of 23 shots in the third period, but none resulted in a goal, with several attempts saved or blocked.
- Bemidji State won 9 faceoffs, but UMD's effective scoring and defense maintained their lead throughout the period.
 
The Beavers fall to 8-9-3 on the season while the Bulldogs improved to 6-10-0.
 
Bemidji State returns to Sanford Center Friday for an exhibition against University of Manitoba. Puck drop is slated for 7:07 p.m. at Sanford Center.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State men's hockey program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X or Instagram or like them on Facebook.
 
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
--bsu—