Bemidji State Edges St. Cloud State in Overtime Thriller

Bemidji State University secured a dramatic 6 to 5 overtime victory over nationally ranked St. Cloud State on Saturday, handing the Huskies a split of the two game series at the Sanford Center. The deciding goal came early in overtime when junior Hailey Armstrong scored 1 minute and 3 seconds into the extra period, preserving the Beavers response after a furious St. Cloud rally.

The Beavers carried strong control through the first two periods, building a 2 to 0 lead after the opening frame and extending it to 4 to 1 after two. St. Cloud State mounted a powerful third period surge, scoring four times in the final period to seize a 5 to 4 lead. With time winding down, Bemidji State pulled the goalie for an extra attacker and Isa Goettl converted with 32 seconds remaining to force overtime, setting the stage for Armstrong's winner.

The game was notable for its lopsided shot totals, with St. Cloud State outshooting Bemidji State 43 to 22, underscoring a game in which territory and opportunities often favored the Huskies even as the scoreboard swung back and forth. Multiple momentum shifts defined the contest, and officials recorded several penalties that led to pivotal power play and penalty kill situations. Goaltending in both nets and special team execution influenced the flow and ultimately the outcome.

Attendance at the Sanford Center was 412, reflecting local support for a matchup that pitted a ranked regional opponent against Bemidji State on home ice. The victory gives the Beavers a key morale boost and a split in the weekend series, a result that matters for conference points and local fan engagement as the season progresses. For St. Cloud State, the result highlights stubborn offensive depth but also defensive adjustments needed after surrendering two late goals including the overtime concession.

Scoring log summary First period: Bemidji State 2, St. Cloud State 0. Second period: Bemidji State 2, St. Cloud State 1. Third period: Bemidji State 1, St. Cloud State 4. Extra time: Bemidji State 1, St. Cloud State 0. Notable moments: Isa Goettl tied the game with an extra attacker goal with 32 seconds remaining in the third period. Hailey Armstrong scored the overtime winner at 1 minute and 3 seconds of sudden death.

Officials and the official boxscore recorded penalties and goaltender save totals that influenced power play chances and momentum swings, and those sequences were decisive in a game that combined clinical finishing with periods of defensive vulnerability. Local supporters and county sports followers will watch how Bemidji State builds on this win as the Beavers pursue consistency in the conference race.