McClennon Scores Four Goals, Beavers Beat Northern Michigan 7 to 3

Bemidji State dominated Northern Michigan in a high scoring outing at the Sanford Center on November 21, 2025, cruising to a 7 to 3 victory that electrified the home crowd and shifted momentum in the conference series. Senior forward Connor McClennon led the way with four goals, including a power play tally and the eventual game winner, marking the first four goal performance by a Beaver since February 6, 2021.

The Beavers opened with an early lead, taking a 1 to 0 advantage after the first period. They broke the game open in the second period, when Bemidji State poured in multiple goals and McClennon completed a hat trick before adding his fourth later in the contest. The scoring surge in the middle frame effectively put the game out of reach and allowed the team to manage the final period while still adding to the margin.

Contributions came beyond the senior scorer, with secondary offense and playmaking from teammates helping sustain the attack. Vincent Labelle, Max Namestnikov and Reilly Funk were among the players credited with assists and secondary scoring that kept Northern Michigan on its heels for much of the night. The balanced attack underscored depth in the Beaver lineup and gave the coaching staff multiple options to maintain pressure throughout the game.

Coach Tom Serratore highlighted the importance of the team getting off to a strong start in the first period, and praised McClennon’s ability to find open ice and finish chances consistently. The performance not only delivered a signature individual night for McClennon, it also demonstrated the club’s ability to convert on special teams and sustain offensive pressure against a conference opponent.

For the Beltrami County community, the victory has meaning beyond the scoreboard. The game was part of a multi game home set at the Sanford Center, an event series that supports local businesses, brings families together, and offers young hockey players visible role models. Local sports events like this serve as a source of community pride, social connection and physical activity, reinforcing public health and wellbeing through shared experiences.

Looking ahead, the win gives Bemidji State momentum in the CCHA series as the Beavers continue their home slate. The performance by McClennon and the collective effort of the roster provide a boost in confidence as the team navigates the remainder of its conference schedule and works to sustain support from the Sanford Center crowd.