BEMIDJI, Minn. – Two of the top women's teams from the country's premier hockey conference will battle in the annual U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Women's Face-Off Classic on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 4 p.m. CST, at Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids, Minn.
 
The contest will feature Bemidji State University against Minnesota State University, Mankato; two members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. The teams will battle for the Hall of Fame Game Trophy.
 
The annual game raises awareness for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth, Minn. and showcases women's college hockey at its highest level.
 
"We are excited and honored to have the opportunity to play in the Hall of Fame game in such a great community like Grand Rapids," said Amber Fryklund, Beavers' head coach. "Showcasing the WCHA in a northern Minnesota hockey community will be so exciting for fans, players, and the community. We hope this game brings excitement and exposure to the women's college game and inspires the next generation of hockey players."
 
Shari Dickerman, Mavericks' head coach said, "Our team is very excited to be playing in the Hall of Fame game this coming January. We know there will be a great atmosphere in the building. It will allow young players in the northern part of the state to see college hockey live. It will also be awesome to give the hometown crowd an opportunity to see their 2025 Ms. Hockey award winner Mercury Bischoff playing for the Mavericks in her "home" arena.
 
Melanie DeBay, chair of the local Grand Rapids organizing committee, said "the Grand Rapids hockey community is incredibly excited to host this prestigious event. It's a true honor to bring the Women's Hall of Fame game featuring Bemidji and Minnesota State to our arena and to showcase such a high level of women's hockey. This game is more than just a competition – it's an opportunity to celebrate the sport, inspire young athletes, and bring the community together in support of women's hockey. Our goal is to make this game a memorable experience for everyone."
 
Additional event details and ticket information will be announced in coming weeks.
 
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum (www.ushockeyhall.com) opened in 1973 with the goal of preserving the rich history of ice hockey in the United States while recognizing the extraordinary contributions of select players, coaches, administrators, officials and teams.
 
For more information on the Bemidji State women'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 and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
 
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