BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team faced a tough 5–1 loss against Bowling Green State University in its Central Collegiate Hockey Association series final Saturday at Sanford Center. The Falcons took control early, netting two goals in the first period and adding two more in the second. Bemidji State managed to score in the third period with a power-play goal, but it wasn't enough to close the gap
 
Head coach Tom Serratore shared his thoughts on the game's pivotal moments, saying, "When it rains it pours, you know, obviously the first period we had a pretty good start. I think the shots were 7-0 right away, had a couple of good opportunities even on the power play, then we give up that three on one." Despite a promising start, the Falcons capitalized on key opportunities, capturing momentum with a 3-on-1 break that resulted in an early goal. Serratore continued, "You got to move on to the next day this time of year you just got to move on to the next day." Looking forward, the Beavers will aim to regroup and focus on upcoming challenges.
 
Kasper Magnussen contributed one goal on the power play, tallying three shots on goal. Hudson Thornton added an assist along with two shots. Reilly Funk excelled in faceoffs, winning 12 of 18 for a 66-percent success rate.
 
The first period began with BSU on the power play just 13 seconds in after a penalty to the Falcons' Ty Higgins. Despite several attempts, including a shot from Connor McClennon at 19:29, the Beavers couldn't capitalize on the advantage. Bowling Green opened the scoring at 11:25 with Ben Doran's even-strength goal, assisted by Gustav Stjernberg. Shortly after, Jake Sloan extended the Falcons' lead to 2-0 at 10:32, assisted by Ty Higgins and Rihards Simanovics. The visitors held a two-goal lead into the break.
 
In the second period, Bowling Green widened its lead with a power-play goal by Gustav Stjernberg at 7:41, assisted by Breck McKinley and Tyler Hotson. Just over a minute later, Brett Pfoh added an even-strength goal at 6:47, with assists from Jackson Niedermayer and Jake Sloan, making it 4-0 for the Falcons. Bemidji State increased its offensive pressure, earning multiple power plays, but couldn't find the back of the net, as Jacob Steinman made several key saves for BGSU. The period ended with the Falcons up 4-0, maintaining a strong lead going into the final period.
 
Bemidji State cut into the deficit early in the third period with a power-play goal by Kasper Magnussen, assisted by Hudson Thornton, at 10:09. However, Bowling Green quickly responded less than a minute later with an even-strength goal from Dominik Rymon at 8:51, pushing their lead to 5–1. Despite the Beavers' efforts, including a late power play, they couldn't close the gap. The period concluded with the Falcons maintaining their four-goal advantage, clinching the victory.
 
Bemidji State now holds a 9-14-3 overall record and a 7-8-3 mark in conference play.
 
The Beavers hit the road next weekend and travel to Marquette, Mich., for a CCHA series against Northern Michigan University.
 
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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