SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team fell to Augustana University (SD), 3-1, Friday night in game one of their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series at Midco Arena. The Beavers managed 37 shots on goal but could only find the back of the net once after being stymied by Augustana goaltender Josh Kotai. The Vikings secured the win with an early two-goal burst in the first period, including a power-play goal, and later added an empty-netter to seal the victory. Bemidji State excelled in faceoffs, winning 67-percent of the draws, but could not convert this advantage into a win.
 
Junior Oliver Peer scored the Beavers lone goal in the game with 3:06 to play snapping a two-game goalless streak. He was assisted by senior Adam Flammang who now has five assists over the last five games and senior Reilly Funk collected his sixth assist of the season.
 
The first period commenced with Bemidji State winning the initial faceoff, but it was the Vikings who capitalized first. Augustana's Brett Meerman opened the scoring at 6:21 with a power-play goal, assisted by Leonid Bulgakov and Owen Baumgartner. Just 26 seconds later, Ben Troumbly doubled the lead with an even-strength goal, assisted by Jacob Jastrzebski and Landon Fandel, making it 2–0 for the Vikings. Bemidji State had multiple attempts, but Augustana's goaltender, Josh Kotai, remained firm, denying any breakthrough. The period concluded with Bemidji State trailing by two goals.
 
The second period featured strong defensive efforts from both teams, preventing any goals. Bemidji State's Reilly Funk won multiple faceoffs, maintaining possession and creating shooting opportunities. Despite shots from Adam Flammang and Kasper Magnussen, Bemidji State could not break through the Vikings' defense, with Josh Kotai making critical saves. Augustana's Hayden Hennen took a penalty for holding at 15:12, yet Bemidji State's power play did not convert, leaving the period scoreless. Raythan Robbins remained solid for Bemidji State, stopping several attempts to keep the Beavers in the hunt heading into the third period.
 
Bemidji State's Oliver Peer pulled the Beavers within at 16:54 of the third period, scoring with the assistance of Adam Flammang and Reilly Funk as the extra attacker. The momentum was short-lived, as Augustana regained the two-goal lead with an empty net goal from Colton Friesen at 19:38, assisted by Will Svenddal. This final strike secured a 3–1 victory for the Vikings, despite Bemidji State's persistent attempts to break through goaltender Josh Kotai's defense throughout the period.
 
Bemidji State will attempt at the series split tomorrow evening with game two at Midco Arena. Puck drop is scheduled 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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