MANKATO, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team fell to Minnesota State University, Mankato in a razor-close 1-0 showdown Friday evening in game one of their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series. The decisive moment came in the third period when MSU finally broke the stalemate. Bemidji State's goaltender, Max Hildebrand, put up a solid performance with twenty-one saves, but the team faced challenges offensively.
 
The first period between Bemidji State and the Mavericks ended with neither team finding the net, despite several chances on both sides. Both Hildebrand and Minnesota State's Alex Tracy kept the game level with crucial saves. Bemidji State had three power-play opportunities, including an early five-minute advantage, but couldn't convert. MSU's defense was resilient, blocking attempts, including a shot from Jake McLean at 8:12. The period ended with a flurry of activity, but the score remained tied.
 
The second period was a showcase of defensive prowess, as neither Bemidji State nor the Mavericks managed to break the deadlock. Hildebrand made several key stops for the Beavers, notably denying shots from Tristan Lemyre and Jordan Ronn, while Tracy held firm in the MSU net, turning away attempts from Mitch Wolfe and Kasper Magnussen. Both teams were strong defensively, with Wolfe and Luke Roelofs each blocking shots from the Mavericks' offense. Despite the end-to-end action, the period ended without a goal, keeping the game in balance.
 
Bemidji State kept up the pressure in the third period, starting with Oliver Peer winning the opening faceoff against Bryce Strand. Despite multiple attempts, including shots by Kasper Magnussen and Vince Corcoran, the Beavers couldn't find the back of the net. MSU broke through at 6:15 when Jack Smith scored the game-winning goal, assisted by Ean Somoza. Bemidji State pulled their goalie for an extra skater late in the period, but Tracy held firm, leading the Mavericks to a 1-0 victory.
 
The Beavers go for the series split tomorrow night when game two is played 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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