BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team edged past Augustana University (SD) 3-2 Saturday at Sanford Center to complete the Central Collegiate Hockey Association series sweep and earn five-of-six league points over the weekend.
 
Freshmen Max Namestnikov and Max Hildebrand lead the Beavers with Namestnikov scoring his first collegiate goal and added an assist for his second career multi-point effort. Hildebrand turned aside 25-of-27 Vikings shots to claim his second win of the season. Junior Kasper Magnussen scored his second goal of the season, which was the game-winning goal. Senior Vince Corcoran scored the game's first goal and his first of the season.
 
The first period began with Bemidji State taking an early advantage through a power play opportunity, but the Vikings' defense held firm. Bemidji State capitalized at 10:58 with Vince Corcoran scoring the first goal of the game, assisted by Namestnikov, to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Despite Bemidji State's continued offensive pressure, the Vikings evened the score at 18:21 with Colton Friesen finding the net, assisted by Cole Burtch. Both teams remained locked at a 1-1 stalemate as the frame concluded, setting the stage for a competitive continuation.
 
Bemidji State widened their lead in the second frame with two quick goals. Namestnikov scored at 17:13, assisted by Jake McLean, after McLean's initial shot hit the pipe. Just over a minute later, Magnussen netted what would be the game-winning goal at 16:15, with a helper from Adam Flammang. The Vikings struggled to capitalize on opportunities, missing several shots, while Bemidji State maintained their momentum and control with consistent faceoff wins. Netminder Hildebrand made several key saves to keep the Vikings off the board in the period.
 
Bemidji State maintained their lead despite a strong third-period effort by the Vikings. Owen Baumgartner equalized for the Vikings at 12:02, assisted by Hayden Hennen and Burtch, bringing the score to 3-2 in favor of the home team. Bemidji State successfully killed a hooking penalty with just under two minutes remaining, as keeper Hildebrand made several key saves. The Vikings then pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, but Bemidji State's defense held firm, securing the victory.
 
Bemidji State evens its  record at 4-4-0 overall and 2-0-0 in conference play while Augustana (SD) is now 3-3-0 overall with a 0-2-0 mark in conference 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).
 
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