Bemidji State Falls to Minnesota Duluth, 4 to 1 at Sanford
Bemidji State hosted No. 5 Minnesota Duluth at the Sanford Center on Dec. 5, and despite outshooting the visitors 31 to 27 the Beavers lost 4 to 1 as Bulldogs goalie Ève Gascon stopped 30 shots. The result was a hard fought showing that highlights strong local support and gives Bemidji State clear areas to tighten up as the season progresses.
Bemidji State opened the Dec. 5 series at the Sanford Center with an energetic first period, taking a 1 to 0 lead on a point shot by Olivia Dronen. The Beavers finished the night with 31 shots on goal, more than Minnesota Duluth, but the Bulldogs answered in the second and pulled away late. Ève Gascon finished as the clear difference maker, recording 30 saves in a 4 to 1 victory for No. 5 Minnesota Duluth.
The game settled into a familiar contest between a top five opponent and a determined home team. Duluth tied the game in the second, then scored again to take the lead before the third period, where the Bulldogs added two insurance goals including an empty net tally. Bemidji State generated consistent pressure and created quality scoring chances, but could not crack Gascon enough times to turn momentum in their favor.
Statistically the contest underscores where the Beavers both competed and fell short. Bemidji State outshot Minnesota Duluth 31 to 27, and converted on just one of those chances. Minnesota Duluth converted four times on 27 shots, illustrating the impact of high efficiency and strong goaltending at the elite level. Based on shots and goals allowed, the Bemidji State netminder made 23 saves on 27 shots faced.
Coaches and players spoke after the game with a clear respect for Gascon’s performance, and with evident pride in the team’s compete level despite the final score. The evening at the Sanford Center demonstrated that local hockey continues to attract competitive matchups, drawing attention from the region and sustaining economic activity on game nights through ticket sales and related local spending.
For fans and the community, the game was both a reminder of the work ahead for the Beavers and evidence that they can stand toe to toe with nationally ranked opponents. The team will look to convert more of its shot volume into goals in upcoming home dates, while the Sanford Center remains a focal point for winter sports and local business activity tied to the season.
Scoring and final line: Final score Minnesota Duluth 4, Bemidji State 1. Per period scoring: First 1 to 0 Bemidji State, Second 2 to 0 Minnesota Duluth, Third 2 to 0 Minnesota Duluth. Shots on goal Bemidji State 31, Minnesota Duluth 27. Goaltender line Ève Gascon Minnesota Duluth 30 saves on 31 shots, Bemidji State netminder 23 saves on 27 shots.
