Bemidji State Ties Minnesota in Exhibition, Wins Shootout

Bemidji State returned to the ice Jan. 2 at the Sanford Center after a 26-day layoff, battling the University of Minnesota to a 3-3 draw in regulation and overtime before securing the exhibition victory in the shootout. Freshman forward Kasper Magnussen supplied the lone shootout goal the Beavers needed, while goaltender Max Hildebrand stopped all three Minnesota attempts, giving Bemidji the edge in the skills competition.

The Beavers rallied from a two-goal deficit in the first period to take a 3-2 lead into the second intermission. A highlight came late in the second period when Max Namestnikov scored on a one-timer that helped shift momentum. Minnesota forced the tie midway through the third period, and the teams played through overtime before advancing to the shootout. Bemidji’s penalty kill stood out, including a successful defense of a late 5-on-3 situation that kept the game within reach.

For local residents, the game was more than a preseason scrimmage. The Sanford Center’s spirited atmosphere brought crowds back after the holiday pause, providing an economic boost to nearby businesses and a social anchor for community life. College athletics in Beltrami County often function as a gathering point that supports local restaurants, hotels and vendors while offering youth players visible role models and aspirations.

Extended breaks between competitions, such as the 26-day gap the Beavers experienced, carry practical implications for athlete health and performance. Long layoffs can lead to loss of game sharpness and raise the risk of soft tissue injuries if conditioning is not carefully managed. Athletic trainers and coaching staffs typically use exhibitions to assess conditioning, reintroduce competitive pace and reduce injury risk ahead of conference schedules. The game on Jan. 2 served that purpose, helping the team "shake off rust" and gain confidence as they prepare for regular-season matchups.

The exhibition also offered a reminder of equity and access considerations in local sports. Ensuring that students and youth across Beltrami County can participate safely in athletics requires continued investment in coaching, medical staffing and community programs. As Bemidji State moves into conference play, the team’s on-ice resilience and the community support at the Sanford Center signal a shared local investment in both competitive success and the public health of athletes and fans alike.