Two Bemidji State Men’s Hockey players signed pro contracts Tuesday. Will Zmolek signed an entry level one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers to start in 2023-2024. He will play out this season with Lehigh Valley of the AHL. Also Tuesday, Kaden Pickering signed with the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL.

Zmolek talked about signing his deal: Zmolek, an alternate captain for the Beavers his senior season, Zmolek appeared in 126 games for the Beavers and recorded 46 points off nine goals and 37 assists including a career-high 21 points (4g-17a) his senior campaign. The Rochester, Minn., native led the team and finished third in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association with 64 blocked shots while also contributing offensively to finish fourth on the team with 21 points and second among BSU blueliners. Constantly facing opponent’s top lines, Zmolek boasted a +2 rating on the ice and was a nationally leader in time on ice.

Lehigh Valley travels to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for a Friday night matchup on Mar. 10 before returning to PPL Center in Lehigh Valley for a give-game homestand, Saturday.

Iowa hosts the Cincinnati Cyclones Wed, Mar. 8 to begin a three-game homestand at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. Bemidji State hockey fans who purchased a FloHockey.tv subscription will be able to watch Pickering and all ECHL games via FloHockey.tv.