BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team skated to a 3-1 victory over No. 16 University of St. Thomas Friday night in game one of their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series. The Beavers took control from the start, scoring one goal in each period and limiting the Tommies to a single tally in the second. Bemidji State's goaltender Max Hildebrand shined, making 32 saves, with a crucial 17 coming in the third period to ensure the win.
 
Bemidji State's performance was a testament to a solid 60-minute effort. "I thought we played a really good 60-minute hockey game, just a lot of good things," said head coach Tom Serratore. The team showed strong defensive connections, bolstering goaltender Max Hildebrand, especially during the final period. Serratore highlighted the significance of stretching the lead to 3-1, saying, "It's a 2-to-1 game, you know, can we get that next one and play with a 2-goal lead where you got a little bit more breathing room." Bemidji State's penalty kill stood strong, sealing the victory. "We earned that win," Serratore concluded.
 
Oliver Peer netted the game-winner and registered three shots. Reilly Funk chipped in with a goal and posted a +1 rating. Kirklan Irey found the back of the net for the first time this season.
 
The first period began with Hildebrand in goal, facing early pressure from the Tommies. Despite several attempts, including shots by Nathan Pilling and Lucas Wahlin, the Beavers held firm, with Hildebrand making pivotal saves. At 6:02, Irey capitalized on a short-handed chance, scoring the opening goal with assists from Jake McLean and Mitch Wolfe. The Tommies pushed back with a power play after a penalty on Bemidji State's Vann Yuhas, but the Beavers held a 1-0 lead at intermission.
 
Bemidji State doubled its lead to 2-0 early in the second period when Peer scored at 12:46, assisted by Kasper Magnussen and Connor McClennon. The Beavers dominated faceoffs and generated multiple shot opportunities, but UST's Carsen Musser made key stops to keep the score close. The Tommies answered with a short-handed goal by Bauer Berry at 6:09, assisted by Dylan Godbout and Chase Cheslock, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Despite St. Thomas's offensive push, Bemidji State ended the period ahead.
 
The Beavers extended their lead in the third period when Funk scored at 9:03, with an assist from Vincent Labelle, making it 3-1. The team showcased strong defense, with Hildebrand making crucial saves throughout, including during a UST power play after a penalty on Isa Parekh. The Tommies pulled their goalie twice in the final minutes for an extra attacker, but Bemidji State held firm to close out the game.
 
Bemidji State stands at 13-17-3 overall and 11-11-3 in conference play, while UST holds an 18-11-4 record with a 15-7-3 mark in conference competition.
 
The two teams meet again for the series and regular season finale tomorrow night with game two at 6:07 p.m. The Beavers will be honoring their eight seniors ahead of puck drop tomorrow in recognition of Senior Night.
 
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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