Bemidji State hosts Lake Superior State to open WCHA home slate

The Bemidji State University men’s ice hockey returns to Sanford Center after nearly a month to open the home portion of its 2019-20 Western Collegiate Hockey Association schedule this weekend when it hosts Lake Superior State University (4-6-0; 2-0-0-0 WCHA). The Beavers and Lakers hit the ice to open the series at 7:07 p.m. Friday with the second game of the series set for a 6;07 p.m. start.

Tickets for both games of the series are still available and begin at just $12. In addition, veterans or active military who show an ID at the ticket window will be eligible for a buy one, get one free ticket special in recognition of Veteran’s Day.

Bemidji State picked up its first victory of the year in the WCHA opener at Alaska Friday, 4-0. The Nanooks bounced back to earn a 3-1 victory Saturday to split the series. The Beavers move to 1-3-2 overall and are 1-1-0-0 in league play.

The 4-0 win marked the first time BSU has shut out an opponent on the road in nearly a year. BSU’s last road shutout came at Alaska Anchorage (2-0)–364 days before, Nov. 2, 2018.

Hampus Sjödahl scored the first goal of his senior season in the second period Friday. The tally stood as the first for the senior since March 2, 2018. He has eight points (4g-4a) in 70 games as a Beaver.

Sjödahl’s short-handed goal was BSU’s first shorty since Feb. 9, 2019–nearly 13 games.

Junior defender Brad Johnson posted the first multi-goal game of his career Friday. He now has eight career points (5g-3a).

Aaron Miller logged a pair of assists Friday increasing his team-leading scoring total to six points (1g-5a), which includes a team-best five helpers.

The two-assist night mark the fourth of Miller’s career and the second this season. He also posted two assists in a 4-4 tie with St. Cloud State in the season-opener, Oct. 11.

Zach Driscoll turned aside 39 shots Friday establishing a new career high. He previously made 33 saves versus Michigan Tech Jan. 18, 2019 and while he was a member of St. Cloud State versus North Dakota Nov. 18, 2016.