Bemidji State University

BEMIDJI, Minn. – St. Cloud State University defeated the Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team 3-2 Friday night in their non-conference series opener at Sanford Center after capitalizing on a strong first period to secure the win. The Huskies scored all three of their goals in the opening period, including two on the power play, while Bemidji State responded with one power-play goal in the same period. Despite Bemidji State's efforts to close the gap with a second goal in the second frame, SCSU held firm defensively, led by its netminder Yan Shostak who made 25 saves.
 
Oliver Peer led the offensive effort for Bemidji State, scoring two goals, including one on the power play, for his first career multi-goal effort. Connor McClennon contributed with one helper, adding to his three shots on goal. Hudson Thornton recorded an assist and blocked two shots, showcasing his two-way play. In the net, Raythan Robbins made a career-high 28 saves, facing a relentless attack despite a three-goal concession.
 
SCSU took an early lead against Bemidji State with Tanner Henricks scoring the first goal at the 3:01 mark of the opening period, assisted by Jack Reimann and Grant Ahcan. Bemidji State responded promptly with a power-play goal by Peer at 7:02, thanks to helpers from McClennon and Thornton. The Huskies regained the lead with a power-play goal from Barrett Hall at 9:58, assisted by Tyson Gross and Cooper Wylie. The visitors extended their advantage during another power play, as Austin Burnevik scored the third and final goal of the period at 16:5, sealing a 3-1 lead by the end of the first frame.
 
Peer scored for Bemidji State at 4:18 into the second frame for his second goal of the game to bring the Beavers within one and was assisted by Luke Roelofs and Kirklan Irey. SCSU's defense blocked numerous attempts throughout the period, with Wylie, Josh Zinger, and others contributing to the effort. Bemidji State's keeper, Robbins, made several crucial saves, including a key stop against Wylie at the 1:38 mark. The period ended with SCSU clinging to the one-goal advantage, setting the stage for a tense final frame.
 
The third period was marked by a series of missed opportunities and defensive stands. Early in the period, Bemidji State's Roelofs was penalized for interference at 2:09 elapsed, allowing SCSU a power play. However, Bemidji State successfully killed the penalty, with Robbins making crucial saves. Later, Bemidji State had a power-play opportunity when Burnevik of SCSU was called for hooking at 15:54 elapsed, but they were unable to capitalize. With under two minutes remaining, Bemidji State pulled its goalie for an extra attacker but could not find the equalizer, despite multiple attempts that were saved by SCSU's Yan Shostak. The period ended scoreless, with SCSU maintaining a 3-2 lead.
 
Bemidji State finished 1-for-3 on the power play producing five shots with the man advantage while the Huskies went 2-for-4 with 10 shots on goal while on the advantage. St. Cloud State out-shot the Beavers 31-27 in the game including 17-7 after the first period but the Beavers climbed back out-shooting SCSU 20-14 in the final 40 minutes.
 
Robbins and the Beavers earn their first loss of the season with BSU falling to 2-1-0 overall while Robbins is now 1-1-0 after making 28-of-31 saves. BSU's defense totaled 21 blocks in the game led by senior Mitch Wolfe who totaled five individually.
 
The two teams will now head south for game two to be played at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, Minn., tomorrow night. Puck drop for the series finale is slated for 6:07 p.m.
 
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).
 
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