MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team faced a tough battle as they were shut out by Northern Michigan University, 2-0, in their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series opener Friday evening in Marquette. Despite the Beavers outshooting the Wildcats 38-17, they were held off the scoreboard by NMU goaltender Oliver Auyeung-Ashton who collected the shutout.
 
The opening period saw the Wildcats take an early lead over Bemidji State. Warren Clark put NMU on the board 54 seconds after the opening faceoff, with assists from Peter Cisar and Matthew Argentina. Despite multiple attempts on goal by the Beavers, including a close call from Maxon Vig that hit the pipe at 17:56, they couldn't score. Tobias Pitka extended NMU's lead with an unassisted goal at 16:41, solidifying a 2-0 advantage by the end of the period. Bemidji State's efforts were repeatedly stopped by Oliver Auyeung-Ashton, who made several key saves.
 
The second period saw no change in the score, as Bemidji State and NMU exchanged opportunities. The Beavers dominated the offensive zone early, with multiple shots by Alexi Sylvestre and Oliver Peer, but NMU's Auyeung-Ashton was impenetrable. Bemidji State served a slashing penalty at 12:20, but the Wildcats' power play was thwarted by blocks from Bemidji State's Maxon Vig and Jaksen Panzer. Later, a penalty for goalkeeper interference against BSU gave NMU another power play, but the Beavers' defense held strong, ending the period with both teams scoreless.
 
In the third period, NMU maintained their two-goal advantage, keeping the Beavers off the scoreboard. Bemidji State pushed hard to close the gap, with Thornton leading an aggressive charge early on. Despite a power play chance after a high-sticking penalty, Bemidji State couldn't capitalize, as multiple shots were blocked or saved by Auyeung-Ashton. The Beavers pulled their goaltender in the final minutes, but continued efforts from Peer and others were thwarted by NMU's defense, ensuring the home team's shutout.
 
The Beavers and Wildcats play their series finale tomorrow at 5:07 p.m. CST.
 
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).
 
--bsu—