MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team delivered a commanding 7–1 victory over Northern Michigan University Saturday in their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series finale at Berry Events Center. The Beavers utilized a quick start, netting three goals in the first period and adding two more in each of the final two periods. Their power play was sharp, converting on one opportunity, while their penalty kill thwarted four out of five NMU chances. Goaltender Max Hildebrand was outstanding, recording a career-high 36 saves to secure the road win.
 
Adam Flammang found the back of the net twice, including a power-play goal, and chipped in an assist while achieving a plus-3 rating. Hudson Thornton contributed two assists and also ended with a plus-3 rating. Reilly Funk was instrumental scoring the first two goals, including the game-winner, on six shots. Hildebrand, allowing just one goal, was key in maintaining Bemidji State's defensive prowess in his best performance as a Beaver. Oliver Peer added an a short-handed goal and an assist while Alexi Sylvestre also collected two assists. In total, 11 skaters recorded a point for the Beavers.
 
The opening period saw Bemidji State seize control right from the faceoff, applying early pressure. Funk initiated the scoring for the Beavers at 15:50, assisted by Alexi Sylvestre and Tory Lund. Funk struck again at 16:44, doubling the lead with help from Sylvestre. Shortly after, Vann Yuhas made it 3-0 for Bemidji State at 17:21, assisted by Vincent Labelle. The Wildcats' defense struggled to contain the barrage of goals, ending the period with the Beavers ahead by three.
 
Northern Michigan's power-play opportunity midway through the second period resulted in a goal by Caiden Gault at 14:17, assisted by Michael Burchill and Joe Schiller, tightening Bemidji State's lead. Nonetheless, the Beavers responded with resilience. Flammang scored at 9:57 to widen the lead, followed by a short-handed goal from Oliver Peer at 5:13, assisted by Thornton. Bemidji State continued to repel the Wildcats' power plays, concluding the period with a solid 5–1 advantage.
 
In the third period, Bemidji State reinforced their lead with two more goals. At 10:17, Luke Roelofs netted his second of the season, assisted by Flammang and Jaksen Panzer, elevating the score to six-one. The margin grew at 11:34 when Flammang capitalized on a power-play opportunity, assisted by Kasper Magnussen and Thornton, marking his eighth goal of the season. Hildebrand was crucial, turning away several late attempts from the Wildcats.
 
Hildebrand collected a career-high 36 saves earning his fifth win of the season and improve to 5-10-1.
 
Bemidji State earned one power-play opportunity in the game and capitalized on the man advantage while its penalty kill went 4-for-5 including a short-handed goal.
 
The Beavers snapped a seven-game losing streak and 11-game winless streak with the victory.
 
The Beavers enhanced their record to 10-15-3 overall and 8-9-3 in conference play with this victory, earning three crucial league points as the Mason Cup Playoffs approach.
 
BSU now returns home and prepares to host Ferris State University Feb. 6-7 at Sanford Center.
 
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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