BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team and University of Minnesota (8-10-1) skated to a 3–3 draw in an exhibition matchup at Sanford Center Friday night to ring in the new year. The Beavers overcame a two-goal, first period deficit and took a 3-2 lead into the second intermission before Minnesota scored the equalizing goal midway through the third period to force overtime.
 
Bemidji State head coach Tom Serratore reflected on the game, noting that his team showed significant resilience. "We were down 2-0 early," Serratore said. "We kind of hung on a little bit in the first, but then again we got our legs, we established ourselves a lot better than probably the latter half of the first period." The Beavers responded with a goal to cut the deficit, displaying improved puck possession and energy in the second period. However, Minnesota applied pressure in the early part of the third period. Despite some preventable mistakes, the Beavers held firm, with goaltender Max making crucial saves down the stretch. Serratore emphasized the importance of playing to the final buzzer, praising the play that led to a last-minute goal by Max Namestnikov. The game, attended by 4,231 fans, provided a valuable test for Bemidji State as they prepare to resume league play next weekend.
 
Connor McClennon recorded two assists and posted a +3 rating. Kirklan Irey, Ryan Henderson and Namestnikove each scored for the Beavers. Raythan Robbins started the game in the net making six saves before Max Hildebrand stepped in halfway through the game and made 14 saves.
 
The first period began with Minnesota winning the opening faceoff and establishing early pressure. Minnesota took a 1–0 lead at 13:56 when Luke Mittelstadt scored, assisted by Javon Moore. Shortly after, at 12:42, John Whipple doubled Minnesota's advantage with a goal assisted by Teddy Townsend and Mason Moe, pushing the score to 2–0. The Beavers responded at 7:05 when Kirklan Irey found the net, assisted by Reilly Funk and Connor McClennon, narrowing the gap to 2–1. The period ended with the Gophers holding a one-goal lead.
 
Bemidji State took control in the second period with crucial plays to edge Minnesota. Ryan Henderson broke the tie at 7:36 with a goal, assisted by Connor McClennon, giving Bemidji State a 3-2 lead. As the period neared its end, Max Namestnikov extended the lead with a goal at 19:54, also assisted by Alexi Sylvestre. Despite Minnesota's efforts, the Beavers held firm to finish the period ahead, with the period ending at 3-2 in favor of the home team.
 
Tanner Ludtke of Minnesota scored the game-tying goal at 10:23 in the third period, assisted by Tate Pritchard. Bemidji State had opportunities to regain the lead, including a power play that ended without a score. The period was marked by strong defensive efforts, with multiple shots blocked by both teams, including key blocks by Minnesota's Luke Mittelstadt and Bemidji State's Hudson Thornton. The game ended in a 3-3 tie after Bemidji State successfully killed off two late penalties.
 
Bemidji State and Minnesota remained locked in a scoreless overtime period, with Bemidji State controlling the majority of faceoffs. Oliver Peer won the initial faceoff, setting the tone for Bemidji State's offensive pressure. Adam Flammang tested Minnesota's goaltender Nathan Airey twice, but Airey stood firm with saves at 2:15 and 4:21. The Gophers responded with attempts from Brody Lamb and Javon Moore, but Max Hildebrand made crucial saves for Bemidji State, ensuring the period ended without a goal.
 
The game concluded with a tense shootout after regulation ended 3–3. Minnesota's Tanner Ludtke and Jimmy Clark both missed their shootout attempts against Bemidji State's goaltender Max Hildebrand. Meanwhile, Kasper Magnussen successfully converted his attempt for Bemidji State against Minnesota's Nathan Airey. Vincent Labelle's attempt for Bemidji State was stopped, but with Brody Lamb missing Minnesota's third attempt, Bemidji State secured the victory in the shootout.
 
The Beavers now look to resume Central Collegiate Hockey Association next weekend by hosting Michigan Tech at Sanford Center. Tickets are available at the Sanford Center Box Office or online at ticketmaster.com.
 
For the most up to date information on the Bemidji State men's hockey program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com or follow the Beavers on X, 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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