BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team faced a challenging evening at home, falling to Bowling Green State University, 3-1 Friday night in game one of their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series. After a scoreless first period, Bowling Green took the reins in the second, netting two goals, including one on a power play. The Beavers found the net once in the third period, but a late empty-net goal by the Falcons sealed their fate. BSU struggled on the power play, unable to capitalize on four opportunities, while BGSU made good on one of their two chances.
 
The Beavers found itself trailing 2-0 in the second period, a situation Head Coach Tom Serratore acknowledged as challenging: "It was a game we were chasing. You get down 2-0 against these guys, they know how to play well with a lead." Despite a spirited comeback attempt, Bemidji State couldn't convert a crucial 5-on-3 power play. Serratore emphasized, "You have to find a way to get it done with your special teams." The Beavers showed determination in the third period but couldn't net the equalizer. "We had good desperation in the third...we needed to get number two," Serratore added. The defeat underscored the need for improvement in special teams as Bemidji State looks ahead in the season.
 
Maxon Vig led the way with one goal and three shots on goal. Jaksen Panzer chipped in with an assist and two blocked shots. Max Hildebrand made 21-of-23 saves in net but was unable to secure the victory.
 
The Beavers and Falcons traded chances in a scoreless opening period. Connor McClennon and Max Namestnikov both tested the Falcons' goaltender Cole Moore, who kept the puck out. Meanwhile, Bemidji State's Max Hildebrand turned away shots from Ty Higgins and Dominik Rymon. Despite two power-play chances from penalties by BGSU, the Beavers couldn't break through the visiting defense. Both teams remained in a defensive stalemate, ending the period with no goals.
 
In the second period, the Falcons broke through. Ben Doran broke the stalemate on the power play at 4:59, assisted by Brody Waters and Breck McKinley. Soon after, at 6:10, Maxwell Martin scored at even strength with assists from Jake Sloan and Brett Pfoh. The Beavers had several opportunities, including a power play, but Cole Moore's solid goaltending preserved Bowling Green's 2-0 lead by the period's end.
 
Bemidji State clawed back to tie the game at 7:00 of the third period when Maxon Vig scored an even-strength goal, with assists from Jaksen Panzer and Kasper Magnussen. This brought the Beavers within one of the Falcons after the visitors missed a power play chance. As time ticked down, Bemidji State pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, aiming to equalize. However, Ben Doran dashed their hopes with an unassisted empty-net goal at 19:49, sealing a 3-1 win for Bowling Green.
 
Bemidji State now holds a record of 9-13-3 overall and 7-7-3 in conference play. Bowling Green's victory solidified their standing with a 13-6-4 overall record and a 10-4-3 mark in conference competition.
 
Bemidji State will attempt at the series split tomorrow evening when game two is held at 6:07 p.m.
 
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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