MANKATO, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team clinched a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory against No. 16 Minnesota State University, Mankato in a tense Central Collegiate Hockey Association showdown Saturday at the Mayo Clinic HSEC in Mankato, Minn. Junior forward Oliver Peer netted the lone goal 26 seconds into overtime to lift the Beavers to an upset victory over the 16^th-ranked Mavericks and two points in CCHA league standings.
 
Oliver Peer delivered the game-winning goal and dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 16 faceoffs for a 64-percent success rate. Senior defenseman Mitch Wolfe was a defensive force with four blocked shots. Freshman Max Hildebrand capped off the night with 18 saves, earning the shutout, the second of his career.
 
The first period saw Bemidji State take immediate control, winning the opening faceoff and setting a competitive tone. MSU put Bemidji State's defense to the test early, with Luigi Benincasa and Jack Smith both missing the net and Hildebrand coming up with crucial saves. A power-play opportunity midway through the period, following a slashing penalty on Ean Somoza, didn't result in a goal, as the Mavericks' penalty kill held firm. Both teams exchanged missed shots and blocked attempts, leading to a scoreless opening frame despite multiple offensive pushes.
 
The Mavericks dominated the early part of the second period, with Liam Watkins and Evan Murr leading a spirited offensive charge. Despite numerous efforts, including a shot by Alex Zetterberg that struck the pipe at 18:25, MSU couldn't find the back of the net. Bemidji State's defense, highlighted by Wolfe's crucial blocks, held strong against the pressure. Hildebrand kept the Beavers in the game with several saves, and MSU's Reid Morich drew a two-minute penalty for goalkeeper interference, which Bemidji State couldn't capitalize on during the ensuing power play. The period ended without a goal, locked in a defensive stalemate.
 
The third period between Bemidji State and the Mavericks was marked by missed opportunities and strong defensive stands. Despite Bemidji State's relentless offensive efforts, featuring multiple shots from Peer and Kasper Magnussen, MSU's defense, supported by goalie Alex Tracy, maintained the scoreless tie. Both teams had power-play chances, including a late opportunity for Bemidji State after a hooking penalty on MSU's Jordan Ronn. Neither side managed to convert, concluding the period without any change to the score.
 
In a nail-biting overtime, MSU won an early faceoff but failed to capitalize on the possession. Bemidji State's Peer then netted the decisive goal just 26 seconds into the period, sealing a 1-0 victory for the Beavers. The unassisted goal was Peer's eighteenth of the season and his third overtime goal of the season.
 
The Beavers now head into their bye week holding sixth in the CCHA standings with 32 points and will next close out the regular season at Sanford Center by hosting University of St. Thomas Feb. 27-28.
 
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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