Bemidji State Ties Merrimack, Wins Shootout in North Andover
Bemidji State University women's hockey played to a 2-2 draw with Merrimack in North Andover on Jan. 5, 2026, then prevailed in the postgame shootout, capping a successful weekend that began with a victory in the series opener. The result keeps BSU's momentum intact as the team prepares to open WCHA conference play next weekend on the road at St. Thomas.
Bemidji State women’s hockey finished the weekend in New England with a resilient performance Friday night in North Andover, settling for a 2-2 tie after regulation and overtime against Merrimack before claiming the shootout victory. The result followed a win earlier in the series, giving the Beavers an unbeaten weekend on the road.
BSU’s offense produced two goals, scored by Morgan Smith and Raeley Carney. Assists were credited on both goals. There was no scoring in the third period or in the overtime session, leaving the outcome to the postgame shootout, which Bemidji State won to secure the weekend’s second win by the shootout method.
Goaltenders on both sides were active throughout the night, with saves recorded across the lineup as the teams traded chances in the opening periods. The goaltending and defensive work through the late stages prevented regulation scoring, forcing the extra-session conclusion that ultimately favored the Beavers in the shootout.
For local fans and the Beltrami County community, the result offers early-season affirmation of depth and resilience as BSU transitions into conference play. Winning the first game and following it with a comeback shootout victory on neutral ice underscores the team’s ability to navigate long travel and back-to-back competition, factors that have practical importance for a program that draws on regional support and student engagement.
The timing is consequential: Bemidji State returns to WCHA action Jan. 9–10 with a road series at St. Thomas. Those games mark the start of conference play and will test how the Beavers translate weekend momentum into results that matter directly for playoff positioning and league standings.
As the roster heads back to Minnesota, coaches and players will carry the weekend’s lessons into practice and preparation for the St. Thomas series, while local supporters can take encouragement from a road trip that produced a win and a shootout victory against a competitive Merrimack squad.
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