BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team defeated Lake Superior State University, 4–1, Friday night at Sanford Center in their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series opener. The Beavers capitalized on their power play opportunities, netting two goals with the man advantage in the second period, while also scoring an empty-net goal in the third. The Beavers' defense held strong, limiting the Lakers to just 11 shots on goal.
 
Bemidji State secured a win over the Lakers, overcoming a sluggish start to dominate in the latter periods. "I really liked our game," Bemidji State head coach Tom Serratore said. "The first 10 minutes we were sleepwalking. We had no speed, no tempo, but after about 10 or 12 minutes, we kicked it into high gear." The Beavers managed the puck efficiently, reflected in their power play performance. "Our power play was clicking. There's a lot of good things going on tonight," Serratore added. Despite conceding a shorthanded goal, Bemidji State responded effectively. "Momentum obviously goes to LSSU in that particular moment... but our guys did respond," he noted.
 
Adam Flammang scored one goal and added a power-play tally, contributing significantly to the offensive effort. Max Namestnikov recorded a goal that served as the game-winner and also marked a power-play goal, showcasing his impact in crucial moments. Connor McClennon added one goal, further supporting the team's scoring. Kasper Magnussen finished with two points by tallying both a goal and an assist, demonstrating his ability to contribute across the ice.
 
The first period began with the Lakers winning the opening faceoff against Bemidji State. Both teams struggled to find the net, with Raythan Robbins making several key saves for the home team, including one at 19:44 after Evan Bushy's shot. Bemidji State's defense held firm during a power play opportunity for LSSU following a hooking penalty, successfully killing off the penalty. Despite multiple attempts from both sides, including blocked shots by Mitch Wolfe and Max Namestnikov, the period concluded scoreless.
 
In the second period, Bemidji State capitalized on a power play early when Adam Flammang scored at 13:27, assisted by Reilly Funk and Kasper Magnussen, to give the home team a 1-0 lead. The Lakers responded with a short-handed goal from Carter Batchelder at 5:59, tying the score at 1-1. Bemidji State regained the lead with another power-play goal, as Max Namestnikov found the net at 4:58, assisted by Vann Yuhas and Kirklan Irey, closing the period with a 2-1 advantage. Both teams traded shots throughout, but Bemidji State's power-play efficiency proved decisive.
 
In the third period, Bemidji State extended their lead when Connor McClennon scored at 13:40, assisted by Yuhas, to make it 3-1. Bemidji State maintained pressure throughout, and with the Lakers opting for an empty net at 2:55, Kasper Magnussen capitalized with an unassisted goal at 2:36, sealing a 4-1 victory. Rorke Applebee faced numerous shots from Bemidji State but managed several saves to keep the score in check throughout the period.
 
Bemidji St. improves to 6-4-1 overall and 4-0-1 in conference play following their victory, extending their unbeaten streak to five games. The Beavers remain undefeated in conference play and stay atop the CCHA standings with 12 points while LSSU falls to 3-5-1 overall and 0-3-0 in conference competition.
 
The two teams meet for game two tomorrow night again at Sanford Center with puck drop scheduled for 6:07 pm.
 
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—