Bemidji State University opens its long-awaited 2020-21 season when it welcomes Minnesota State University, Mankato to Sanford Center, Sunday and Monday. The nonconference matchup features a pair of top-20 teams in the No. 16 Beavers and No. 5 Mavericks. The series will get underway at 5:07 p.m. Sunday before a rare 3:07 p.m. opening faceoff Monday.

The Beavers look to extend an unbeaten streak of six (4-0-2) season-openers into Sunday’s clash. The Beavers last season-opening loss came in 2012 by way of a 3-2 loss at then No. 9 St. Cloud State University.

In one of BSU’s oldest rivalries, BSU and Minnesota State will battle for the 129th and 130th time since the series began in 1974. BSU holds a 58-55-15 edge in the all-time series, which includes a 35-23-5 advantage in games played in Bemidji, Minn.

While the Beavers have won just three of the last 14 meetings between the teams (3-9-1), BSU opens the weekend having won two of the last three meetings between the teams.

The goal of the WCHA and BSU is to provide a safe environment for the student-athletes, coaches, fans, and staff. With that in mind, no fans will be allowed at BSU women’s or men’s hockey games hosted at Sanford Center until further notice.

While no fans will be allowed inside Sanford Center, fans can listen to the games on 92.1 The River and online here at beaverradionetwork.com.