Beavers, Mavericks Open Weekend Series with a Draw
Minnesota State and Bemidji State traded goals for two periods before a scoreless third period and overtime to end their Thursday afternoon matinee WCHA league match-up in Mankato in a 2-2 draw.
Bemidji State took a 2-1 lead late in the second period off a goalie from Ellie Moser, but Minnesota State’s Jamie Nelson was able to answer back just 1:58 later to knot the game at 2-2.
The Mavericks could not convert on a late third period power play, and just missed an overtime game-winning goal on a semi-breakaway for Claire Butorac. The game officially ended in a tie and moved to a shootout to determine would receive the extra WCHA league point. Bemidji State’s Kara Werth, the fifth shooter for Bemidji State, was able to score on her attempt to secure the extra league point of the Beavers.
The two teams conclude their series tomorrow afternoon at 2:07pm in Mankato
Final Scoring
First Period
6:40 Paige Beebe from Clair DeGeorge 1-0 Bemidji State
DeGeorge made a beautiful backhand saucer passer from the right boards to spring Beebe on a semi-breakaway, which she finished off on her backhand.
Clair DeGeorge never seems to get the attention she deserves because she plays for Bemidji State, but this backhand pass to Paige Beebe to put BSU up 1-0 on Minnesota State is incredible. pic.twitter.com/N5nkf5MXPB— Chris Dilks (@ChrisDilks) December 17, 2020
Second Period
9:26 Brittyn Fleming from Brooke Bryant and Kennedy Bobyck 1-1 tie
Fleming won a prolonged puck battle in the right corner and was able to work the puck to the front of the net. Bryant attempted a shot that stop, but the puck bounced to Fleming, which she deposited into an open goal frame.
Big time work by Brittyn Fleming to win the puck in the corner and she gets rewarded with a tap-in goal. Minnesota State and Bemidji State tied 1-1 mid-2nd. pic.twitter.com/Y0cDCMhlkG— Chris Dilks (@ChrisDilks) December 17, 2020
16:15 Ellie Moser from Graysen Myers 2-1 Bemidji State
Myers forced a turnover in front of the Minnesota State net, then made a pass to Moser, who was wide open in front of the MSU goal and Moser was able to finish off the play.
Graysen Myers forced a turnover allowing Ellie Moser to put BSU up 2-1. Jamie Nelson answered back for MSU off a turnover 1:58 later. 2-2 tie late in the second period. pic.twitter.com/DMuN5y7Szc— Chris Dilks (@ChrisDilks) December 17, 2020
18:13 Jamie Nelson unassisted 2-2 tie
A Bemidji State defender tried to clear the puck away from her net, but the clearing attempt landed on the stick of Nelson, who fired a shot into the upper corner of the net.
Third Period
None
Notes and Thoughts:
-Another frustrating game for Minnesota State, who probably had the better of the play for much of the day, but walk away with just one of three league points. Final shots on goal ended 29-17 in favor of the Mavericks, and Bemidji State never had much in the way of sustained offensive zone pressure like Minnesota State. But Bemidji State played an extremely disciplined defensive game and limited high quality chances, and they converted on their two best scoring opportunities, which was enough to steal a couple points.
-As I mentioned in the video above, Clair DeGeorge’s name never seems to come up often when discussing the best players in women’s college hockey. Playing on a typically low-scoring team without a lot of offensive help, she doesn’t put up huge numbers—though she’s off to a great start in her senior season with five points in three games. But with her combination of size and skating ability, she’s easily one of the most talented players and toughest match-up problems in the college game....
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