Minot State Beavers Prevail Over #16 University of Arizona in Thrilling Showcase Opener
CHESTERFIELD, MO – In a riveting contest at the Maryville Showcase, the Minot State Beavers men’s hockey team secured a narrow 3-2 victory against the #16 University of Arizona on November 21. The win elevates the Beavers, now ranked #2, to an impressive 14-1-1 season record, while the Wildcats drop to 5-7-0.
Minot State showcased dominance early in the match, with Payton Jerome netting the opening goal at 14:52 in the first period. Goaltender Will Dyke was instrumental in the first frame, making 11 saves to maintain a clean sheet.
However, Arizona fought back in the second period, with Riley Ruh scoring at 7:25 to even the score at 1-1. The Wildcats’ goaltender, Hadyn Gould, stepped up, denying the Beavers on all 16 shots he faced during the period.
The third period saw intensity ramp up significantly. Ruh scored again early, giving Arizona a 2-1 lead via a power play goal at 3:06. The Beavers did not falter, as Logan Rands quickly tied the game at 2-2 at 11:53. Just over a minute later, Joey Moffatt delivered the decisive goal, putting Minot State ahead 3-2 at 12:39.
With Dyke solid in net, stopping a total of 26 shots, the Beavers held their lead, clinching a victory against the ranked opponent. Assists were credited to Reece Henry, Walker Jerome, Kieran Cooke, and Jay Buchholz, with Cooke earning his first of the season.
Looking ahead, the Beavers will continue their quest for victory with matches against #7 Liberty University and #8 Maryville University, scheduled for November 22 and 23, respectively.
Source
Photo credit msubeavers.com
