COLUMBUS, Ohio – Former Bemidji State University Men's Hockey forward Owen Sillinger made his National Hockey League debut Thursday night after skating with the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. The Bluejackets defeated the Seattle Kraken 6-2.
 

?? ROOKIE LAP??

Owen Sillinger's ready to make his @NHL debut! ?? pic.twitter.com/jQ3LpTgC3X

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 9, 2025

 
Sillinger became the 10^th Beaver to skate in an NHL game joining Zach Whitecloud (2016-18), Brad Hunt (2008-12), Matt Read (2007-11), Matt Climie (2004-08), Andrew Murray (2001-05), Joel Otto (1980-84), Gary Sargent (1972-73) Dale Smedsmo (1969-72) and Jim McElmury (1967-71).
 
Sillinger (2018-22), a Regina, Saskatchewan native, wore No. 12 for the Blue Jackets, the same number he wore during his time with the Beavers. He totaled 13:09 minutes of ice time over 16 shifts and recorded one block, one hit, two penalty minutes and won two-of-five face-offs taken.
 
Sillinger skated with the Beavers for four seasons and served as the team's captain during the 2021-22 season that saw BSU reach the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Mason Cup Championship game for the first time in program history. The two-time all-conference selection set the program's Division I single season points record with 47 during his senior season and finished his collegiate career tied for fourth in program history with 115 career points off 51 goals and 64 assists. Following the 2021-22 season, Sillinger signed a contract with the Blue Jacket's American Hockey League affiliate Cleveland Monsters where he has played for two complete seasons and 192 games.
 
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—