The Bemidji State University men’s ice hockey team is back at Sanford Center this weekend to continue its current four-game homestand with a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series versus Lake Superior State University.

The Beavers open the series 2-5-2 overall and 1-4-1 in league play, and look to build on their 6-3 victory over University of Alaska, Nov. 14, to make a move in the standings this weekend versus the Lakers.

Lake Superior State arrives at Sanford Center toting an overall record of 2-8-2, while the team seeks its first win in league play (0-2-2). The Lakers are without a win in their last seven games (0-5-2) and open the series after being swept by Arizona State University (L, 3-2 and L, 3-2 (OT)) in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. last weekend.

This weekend marks the continuation of a rivalry dating back to the 1960s. From 1966-1973 Bemidji State and Lake Superior State met on a yearly basis as members of the International Collegiate Hockey Association. In addition, the teams have a storied national championship history. BSU defeated the Lakers for NAIA national titles in 1968, 1969 and 1970. In all, BSU and LSSU have met on 49 previous occasions with the Lakers owning a 26-21-2 advantage and a 12-10-1 mark on the Beavers’ home ice. Last year, the Lakers took the season series with 1-0 and 4-2 victories at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Jan. 16-17, ending the Beavers’ seven-game (4-0-3) unbeaten streak.