A slightly edited game report from the Bemidji State sports information guy:
The Bemidji State University men's ice hockey team completed a series sweep over Niagara
University Saturday at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse, holding off the
Purple Eagles' late charge to take a 3-2 College Hockey America
victory. Senior captain Chris McKelvie (Sr., F, New Brighton, Minn.)
led the way for the Beavers with a goal and an assist.
After a scoreless first period, McKelvie gave the Beavers a 1-0 lead
just 1:53 into the second frame. The senior used his blazing speed to
pick off a NU pass, beat the Purple Eagle defenders and stuff the puck
past Chris Noonan for his sixth goal of the season.
Ten minutes later, the Beavers took a 2-0 lead when Tyler Lehrke (Sr., F,
Park Rapids, Minn.) left the puck on the door step for Ben Kinne (So.,
St. Paul, Minn.), who backhanded the puck into the Purple Eagles' net
for a power-play marker.
Bemidji State came into the game with a perfect 10-0-0 record in games
in which it has taken a lead into the third period this season. Despite
a bit of excitement late, BSU stayed perfect holding off NU.
Giancarlo Iuorio cut the BSU lead in half 2:44 into the third
period scoring an even-strength goal from Brendan Sheehan. But Jamie
MacQueen would give the Beavers a two-goal cushion, netting what would
eventually stand as the game-winning goal, at the 16:15 mark. Linemates
Lehrke and McKelvie each collected their second points of the night
adding assists on the play.
Down 3-1, NU head coach Dave Burkholder elected to pull his goaltender
in the game's final minutes for an extra attacker. The decision would
pay off as Ryan Olidis potted his ninth goal of the season with just 43
seconds remaining in regulation, reeling the Beavers to within a goal at
3-2.
The one-goal victory enabled the Beavers to
sweep Niagara at home for the first time since 2002.
Out shot 31-22 in a game that the Beavers struggled to generate any
offensive rhythm, special teams played a big role in BSU's win. The
Beavers converted one of their three man advantage opportunities, while
the team's penalty-kill unit was flawless snuffing out all five of the
Purple Eagles' power-play opportunities.
Dan Bakala (So., G, Calgary, Alberta) became the first goaltender in
the country rack up 10 wins in 2009-10, turning away 29 NU shots to post
his fourth consecutive victory. He is 10-1-1.
Noonan was pinned with the loss and falls to 0-4-0 this season. He
stopped 19 shots but allowed all three of the Beavers' goals.
The victory was BSU's fifth straight versus Niagara and helped the
team to come within a game of evening the all-time series, 19-20-8.
Bemidji State (13-2-1; 8-0-0 CHA) breaks form CHA play next week as it
plays host to Minnesota State University, Mankato.
The nonconference series is set for a 7:35 p.m. opening face off Friday
evening and will wrap up Saturday after a 7:05 p.m. start. Both games
are slated for the John S. Glas Fieldhouse.
