Cory Ward (F, So., Las Vegas, Nev.) scored his team-leading eight goal of the year one minute into overtime to lift the Bemidji State University men’s hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Lake Superior State University Saturday at Sanford Center.
The overtime victory was the first for BSU since the Beavers defeated the same Lakers’ squad Nov. 4, 2011–a streak spanning 19 extra-session contests (0-5-14).
Bemidji State improves to 5-7-2 overall and 5-4-1 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play while Lake Superior State falls to 7-4-1 overall and 3-3-0 in league action.
The Beavers had three power-play opportunities that generated six shots on goal in the first period, but were unable to find the back of the net. Beavers generated six shots on goal during three first period power-play opportunities, but were unable to convert and finished the period 0-for-3.
The teams skated to the locker rooms with the score tied 0-0.
In the second period each team would score a goal with the Lakers striking first.
Kevin Czuczman capped the LSSU scoring play at the 14:52 mark when he skated down the slot and ripped a shot just over the glove hand of BSU goaltender Andrew Walsh (Jr., Dawson Creek, British Columbia) for his fourth goal of the season.
Before time would run out on the period, BSU answered. Matt Prapavessis (D, Jr., Oakville, Ontario) stole the puck and passed to Radoslav Illo (F., Sr., Bystrica, Slovakia) at the top of the slot. Illo found the back of the net to tie the game with just 41 seconds left in the second frame.
The Beavers were out shot 11-7 in the third, but Walsh turned aside each of the Lakers’ scoring opportunities and pushed the Beavers to their fourth overtime contest of the year.
BSU controlled overtime form the drop of the puck. The Beavers got two shots on goal and the second, by Ward, beat the LSSU goaltender Kevin Kapalka just under the crossbar.
Walsh improved to 5-7-2, stopping 25 of 26 shots and backstopping a BSU penalty-kill unit that held the Lakers scoreless on three power-play opportunities.
The Beavers wrap up their current six-game homestand Nov. 29-30 when they host Miami University for a nonconference series. The opening faceoff Friday is set for 7:37 p.m. with Saturday’s series finale scheduled for a 7:07 p.m. start.
Tickets for the series are still available and can be purchased at the Sanford Center Bob Lowth Ford Pickup Window, either Bemidji Lueken’s Village Food location or TicketMaster.com. Purchase your tickets at the Sanford Center Bob Lowth Ford Pickup Window and show a valid ID from any college or university and get a reserved ticket for just $5.