MANKATO, Minn. — The college hockey weekend began with each of the five Minnesota-based programs holding top-20 rankings. The two atop the WCHA, No. 15 Bemidji State and No. 11 Minnesota State, faced off on Friday in Mankato.
Beavers goalie Michael Bitzer and his Mavericks counterpart, Jason Pawloski, each stopped 23 shots as the teams battled to a 1-1 tie through regulation and a five-minute overtime.
“You know it’s going to be a close game when you play these guys,” said Minnesota State coach Mike Hastings.
Bemidji State senior Charlie O’Connor beat Pawloski during the three-on-three period to earn the Beavers an extra point in the WCHA standings in the league’s new pilot program that features a second overtime of three-on-three, to be followed by a shootout if the score remains tied.
“It was a big point for us,” said Bemidji State coach Tom Serratore. “This is such a tough building to play in. Nobody deserved to lose that game.”
Bitzer, a junior, has carried the Beavers this season; leading the nation in shutouts, second in GAA and seventh in save percentage, respectively. The Beavers defense has collectively allowed 1.4 goals per game, good for second in the nation entering Friday’s contest.
The gaudy statistics didn’t prevent freshman Charlie Gerard from scoring his first collegiate for the Mavericks on the first shot of game. Gerard rushed down the slot and was 1-on-1 with Bitzer. The two made contact and the collision carried the puck into the net. After a long review, the referees awarded Gerard with the goal.
Minnesota State rode the momentum of the early lead and controlled the first period, limiting the Beavers to just four shots on goal, all saved by sophomore Pawloski.
“We weathered the storm in the first period and we found our legs in the second.” said Serratore. “Both teams played hard, it was great entertainment I thought.”
Momentum swung in the second period as a vintage Bemidji State style of play emerged; zone possession, cycling and finishing checks.
“They pushed back,” said Hastings. “We couldn’t establish possession. A good team like that is going to push us.”
With Pawloski, in only his third start of the season, still perfect early the third period, he and Bitzer continued to trade saves.
“Both of our goalies are capable of being ones,” said Hastings. “I thought Jason played well tonight.”
Nine minutes into the final frame, the Beavers finally solved Pawloski. Sophomore defenseman Dan Billett ripped a point shot that beat Pawloski high glove-side for his first career goal.
“It was one of those goals, a misdirection,” said Serratore. “It couldn’t have came at a better time.”
Bemidji State’s Gerry Fitzgerald and Minnesota State’s Nick Rivera each had opportunities to end the game at the end of regulation but their shots were turned away.
“It was an epic battle,” said Serratore. “There was no easy ice. It was like a heavyweight fight.”
Other WCHA results
Bowling Green 5, Northern Michigan 1
Bowling Green captured a 5-1 road win over Northern Michigan in Marquette, Mich. Matt Pohlkamp and Brett D’Andrea each had a goal and an assist for the Falcons and Chris Nell made 24 saves. Troy Loggins scored for Northern Michigan.
Michigan Tech 6, No. 20 Lake Superior State 1
Michigan Tech upset No. 20 Lake Superior State 6-1 in Houghton, Mich. Jake Jackson and Gavin Gould scored twice for the Huskies and Angus Redmond made 24 saves in net. Kyle Chatham scored for the Lakers
Alaska 3, Alabama-Huntsville 3
Alaska erased 3-0 deficit to tie Alabama-Huntsville in Huntsville, Ala. Marcus Basara had a goal and an assist for the Nanooks while Brandon Parker, Jordan Larson and Matt Salhany scored for the Chargers.