SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Bemidji State University Men's Hockey team took a tough 2–1 loss against Augustana University Saturday at MidCo Arena. The Beavers 2025-26 season came to an end as the Vikings secured the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Mason Cup Quarterfinal best-of-three series victory winning the series 2-0.
 
Reilly Funk netted the lone goal for Bemidji State with 47.4 seconds remaining but it was too late goaltender Josh Kotai stymied the Beavers' offense that produced 39 shots on goal.  
 
The opening period saw Bemidji State and Augustana each showing strong defensive efforts, with neither team finding the back of the net. BSU's Max Hildebrand and Augustana's Josh Kotai both made key saves to keep things even. Despite several power-play chances, the Beavers couldn't capitalize, with Kotai thwarting multiple attempts by Adam Flammang and Kasper Magnussen. Meanwhile, the Vikings' offense, led by Joey DelGreco and Will Howard, tested Hildebrand, who kept the slate clean heading into intermission.
 
In the second period, Bemidji State and the Vikings continued their scoreless duel, with both sides unable to take advantage of their chances. Bemidji State's Oliver Peer won several faceoffs, preserving possession, but their efforts were repeatedly blocked by Augustana's goaltender, Josh Kotai. BSU's Hildebrand remained solid in goal, turning away the Vikings, including a shot by Leonid Bulgakov at 17:06. Despite power-play opportunities for both teams, the score remained unchanged as the period ended.
 
Colton Friesen finally broke the stalemate for the Vikings with a goal at 17:03, assisted by Nace Langus and Owen Bohn. With the goalie pulled late, Augustana extended their lead to 2–0 with an empty-netter from Joey DelGreco at 18:32. Reilly Funk scored for the Beavers at 19:20, assisted by Oliver Peer and Kasper Magnussen, narrowing the gap to one. Despite the late surge, the Vikings held on for the 2–1 win.
 
Bemidji State concludes their season at 13-19-4.
 
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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