Looft scores late overtime game-winner in series finale versus No. 12/13 Mavericks, Beavers Wrap Up Season At St. Thomas

For the second time this season and against the same team, Bemidji State University Men’s Hockey senior defenseman Kyle Looft scored the game-winning, overtime goal to give the Beavers a 2-1 victory over No. 12/13 Minnesota State University, Mankato Saturday night at Sanford Center.

The overtime win gave the Beavers (13-14-5, 11-10-3) two crucial points in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings and they now hold fourth place in the standings by three points over Northern Michigan University and Ferris State University with just two games remaining.

Sophomore goaltender Mattias Sholl turned aside 17-of-18 shots by the Mavericks including a penalty shot early in the second period to claim his 11th victory of the season, two shy of tying a career mark. He improved his season record to 11-10-5.

Bemidji State now holds its playoff seeding fate in its own hands next weekend for the final CCHA series of the regular season. Four points at University of St. Thomas will clinch the fourth seed and home-ice advantage in the first round for the Beavers. Bemidji State will make its way down to Mendota Heights, Minn., this weekend for its two-game slate with St. Thomas beginning Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:07 p.m.