BEMIDJI, Minn. – Augustana University answered back in game two of its series with the Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team Saturday night and earned the series split with a 5-2 victory at Sanford Center.
 
The Beavers couldn't rally back after they allowed three-straight goals in the first 38 minutes of play. Senior Eric Martin stopped the scoring run with just 3.7 seconds remaining in the second period but a quick goal from the Vikings in the third period stunned the Beavers.
 
Sophomore Patrik Satosaari scored his first collegiate goal with 14:35 to play in the final period but it was too little too late as an empty-net goal with 3:09 left sealed the victory for the Vikings.
 
Bemidji State falls to 10-15-1 on the season but its Central Collegiate Hockey Association record remains intact at 8-7-1 with the non-conference match-up.
 
The Vikings opened the game by scoring a short-handed goal 3:29 after the opening faceoff. They carried the one-goal lead into the first intermission but just 19 seconds into the second frame, extended their lead to two. AU would strike again just before the period's end with two minutes remaining but Martin ended the Vikings' scoring run with his fourth goal of the season to tie a career high set last year.
 

BEAVER GOAL!!!

Goal scored by Eric Martin, assisted by Adam Flammang and Mitch Wolfe. Vikings lead 3-1.#GoBeavers #BeaverTerritory pic.twitter.com/Kzaaht1kSY

— Bemidji State Men's Hockey (@BSUBeaversMHKY) February 4, 2024

 
Augustana answered quickly in the third period and just 2:37 into the final frame retook the three-goal lead.
 
Satosaari then brought the Beavers back within two with his first collegiate goal after he was left alone in the slot and senior Jackson Jutting fed the pass through multiple defenders with 14:35 to play.
 

BEAVER GOAL!!!

Patrik Satosaari scoring his first career goal as a Beaver! Assisted by Jackson Jutting and Austin Jouppi. Vikings lead 4-2. #GoBeavers #BeaverTerritory pic.twitter.com/ODqvkUbiZD

— Bemidji State Men's Hockey (@BSUBeaversMHKY) February 4, 2024

 
However, Augustana sealed the game with an empty-net goal with 3:09 to play to secure the series split and its first victory at Sanford Center.
 
Bemidji State was held in check by goaltender Kayden Hargraves who turned stopped 25 of the Beavers' 27 shots in the game.
 
The Beaves will now look to head east towards Marquette, Mich., next weekend to take on Northern Michigan University to resume CCHA play and play for league points for the first time since Jan. 20.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State men's hockey program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on Twitter or Instagram (@BSUBeaversMHKY), or like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers).
 
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—