BEMIDJI, Minn. – The (RV) Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team fell to No. 6 University of North Dakota, 5–3, in a non-conference matchup at Sanford Center Friday night. Bemidji State scored three goals including a first-period tally, but UND responded with two power-play goals and a short-handed goal in the second period to take control.
 
Head coach Tom Serratore expressed his dissatisfaction with the defensive lapses, stating, "I'm not too pumped up about giving up two power play goals, giving up a short-handed goal, then a 6-on-5." He acknowledged the team's solid performance in even-strength situations, noting, "That 5-on-5, we were fine. I mean, we got three goals, 5-on-5, but again, that's what broke our back right there." Serratore highlighted the importance of focus and effort in such competitive games, saying, "You have to play possessed in these kinds of games, you have to win every battle." Looking ahead, Serratore emphasized the need for improved discipline, remarking, "We got to do a better job. I mean, they got a good power play. You know, you got to stay out of the box." Despite the loss, he saw positive aspects, asserting, "We did a lot of good things too."
 
The first period opened with a flurry of Bemidji State attempts, as the home team peppered UND's goalie, Jan Špunar, with shots. Despite the aggressive start, it was Connor McClennon who broke through at 10:11, netting the first goal with an assist from Max Namestnikov. North Dakota responded swiftly, leveling the score at 8:40 when Ben Strinden scored, assisted by Cole Reschny. Both teams continued to exchange shots, but neither found the net again before the period concluded, leaving the score tied at 1–1.
 
North Dakota took control early in the second period with Will Zellers scoring a power-play goal at 11:27, assisted by Mac Swanson and Ollie Josephson. Bemidji State responded quickly when Jake McLean found the back of the net at 10:06, leveling the score. However, UND regained the lead when Dylan James scored a short-handed goal at 9:13. Maxon Vig equalized for Bemidji State at 6:03, but Cade Littler secured the game-winning goal for the Fighting Hawks with a power-play strike at 3:36. The period concluded with a 4–3 lead for UND.
 
UND maintained its lead over Bemidji State with a strong defensive performance in the third period. Despite several offensive efforts from Bemidji State, including shots by Oliver Peer and Namestnikov, UND's goaltender Špunar made key saves to protect their advantage. With Bemidji State pressing and pulling their goalie in the final minutes, North Dakota capitalized on an empty net opportunity, with Josephson scoring at 19:55, assisted by Reschny. The period concluded with UND securing a 5–3 victory.
 
McLean scored a goal and added an assist while Namestnikov collected two assists to lead the Beavers. Raythan Robbins made a career-high 37 saves for the Beavers but earns just his second loss of the season moving to 5-2-2.
 
Bemidji State collected 20 blocks as a team, third most this season while attempting 20 of their own. The Beavers earned four power-play opportunities but came up empty on all four chances while UDN went 2-for-5 with the advantage.
 
Bemidji State drops just its second game during the month of November and falls to 9-6-2 while North Dakota improves to 10-4-0. Game two will be played at Ralph Engelstad Arena tomorrow night with puck drop slated for 6:07 p.m., as the Beavers attempt to salvage the series split.
 
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—