BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team clinched a thrilling 4-3 win over Ferris State University after junior Vincent Labelle scored 1:12 into overtime Saturday night at Sanford Center in their Central Collegiate Hockey Association series finale. The Beavers made the most of their opportunities, capitalizing on the power play twice, while Ferris State managed to draw level in the third period with two goals. However, Bemidji State sealed the victory with a clutch overtime goal by Labelle.
 
Bemidji State celebrated a 4-3 overtime triumph over FSU at home on Saturday. Head coach Tom Serratore noted, "We played good hockey. I mean, the first two periods we played really well." The Beavers entered the third period with a 3-1 lead, but the Bulldogs rallied to tie the game, pushing it to overtime. Serratore acknowledged the challenge, saying, "We found a way, you know, obviously overtime to win that game, so that was a nice prize." The decisive goal came from Labelle, whom Serratore commended for his persistence, "He had a good game, he had a lot of puck touches, he was a line driver for those guys."
 
Vincent Labelle netted a goal on six shots, securing the game-winner. Oliver Peer made a significant impact with two goals, including one on the power play, and added an assist while winning 12 of 18 faceoffs. Impressively, Peer has recorded three or more points in two consecutive games, showcasing his offensive talent. Reilly Funk also scored with a power-play goal and registered two shots. Hudson Thornton contributed two assists and a plus-2 rating.
 
The Beavers kicked off the first period with an early offensive surge, highlighted by Oliver Peer's power-play goal at 13:45, assisted by Connor McClennon and Hudson Thornton. This goal marked Peer's sixteenth of the season. FSU responded during their power play, equalizing at 8:41 with a goal from Josh Zary, assisted by Christopher Lie and Caden Brown. The period ended with both teams tied 1-1, each successfully converting on their power-play chances.
 
Peer scored the go-ahead goal for BSU at 13:00 of the second period, assisted by Kasper Magnussen, giving the home team a 2-1 lead. The period saw the Beavers dominate possession, relentlessly testing FSU's goaltender Martin Lundberg, who faced a barrage of shots. The Bulldogs called a timeout at 13:35, but BSU's pressure continued with multiple blocked and missed shots. Late in the period, FSU incurred penalties, giving the Beavers more power-play opportunities, though they couldn't extend their lead before the period ended.
 
In the third period, Bemidji State extended their lead with a power-play goal from Funk at 17:50, assisted by Vince Corcoran and Kirklan Irey, marking Funk's tenth goal of the season. FSU responded at 10:27 with an even-strength goal from Max Itagaki, narrowing the gap to 3-2. With an extra attacker, the Bulldogs' Carter Rapalje scored the equalizer with just 55 seconds remaining, assisted by Josh Zary and Trevor Taulien. Despite Bemidji State's efforts, the period concluded in a 3-3 tie.
 
In a dramatic overtime period, BSU secured the win over FSU with a decisive goal. The period started with a faceoff won by Peer, setting the tone for the Beavers. At 1:12, Labelle clinched the game with an even-strength, sudden-death goal, assisted by Peer and Hudson Thornton. This marked Labelle's third goal of the season, sealing a 4-3 victory for Bemidji State.
 
Bemidji State holds a record of 11-16-3 overall and 9-10-3 in conference play, while the Bulldogs maintain a record of 5-25-0 overall and 4-18-0 within league competition.
 
The Beavers now hit the road and travel to Mankato, Minn., to face-off against Minnesota State University, Mankato Feb. 13-14.
 
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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