The Bemidji State University men’s ice hockey team (0-1-1) returns to Sanford Center this weekend to host No. 3/5 University of Minnesota (2-0-0) in the 2013-14 home opener. Friday’s match up will begin at 7:37 p.m., while Saturday’s series finale is set for a 7:07 p.m. opening faceoff.

Bemidji State posted a 0-1-1 mark at No. 9 St. Cloud State last weekend. The Beavers dropped a 3-2 decision in the season opener Friday before settling for a 2-2 overtime tie Saturday. Phil Brewer (1g-1a) and Matt Prapavessis (2a)led the Beavers offensively, as each collected two points. Goaltender Andrew Walsh made saves on 70 of 75 shots faced (.933) while allowing 2.41 goals per game.

Just two games into the 2013-14 season, sophomore Cory Ward and junior Danny Mattson stand out as early frontrunners to pace the team offensively. Ward netted nine goals as a rookie to stand as the Beavers’ top returning goal scorer. He added an even-strength marker in Friday’s loss to pick up where he left off. In his last 10 games, he has five goals and three assists. Mattson piled up a team-best 15 assists a year ago, with eight coming on the power-play.

Minnesota rolls into Bemidji with a 2-0-0 record after defeating Mercyhurst (6-0) and New Hampshire (3-2) to claim the Ice Breaker Tournament title last weekend.

The Golden Gophers are led in scoring by junior forward Sam Warning, who posted two goals and two assists on the weekend. Kyle Rau also netted four points in the Ice Breaker, posting a game-winning goal and a team-best three assists. Sophomore goaltender Adam Wilcox has appeared in both of UM’s games making saves on 46 of 48 shots faced for a .958 save percentage and a 1.00 goals allowed average.