MINOT, N.D. – Just fresh off a successful home-and-home set, the Minot State men's hockey team will be heading back on the road for another extended period away from the Magic City. They now set their sights on a familiar foe in Waldorf University.
The Beavers (24-5-0), who sit at number one in the latest ACHA rankings, will go to Albert Lea, Minnesota for a weekend series with the Waldorf Warriors (3-21-3). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (CT) on Friday, with an early 2:00 p.m. (CT) start on Saturday.
After a rough finish versus in-state rival Mary last week, Minot State got back on track by sweeping another in-state rival in the Jamestown Jimmies. They are coming off a 3-2 victory on home ice against the number four team in the country.
While Minot looks to contend in another long playoff run, it has been a season to forget for the Warriors. Waldorf has lived in a house of horrors, as they stand amid a five-game losing streak. Their last match was a 6-1 defeat to the University of Mary Marauders.
The player to watch for the home team this weekend is Jake Lindblom, who has been a bright spot for Waldorf despite a tough season. He leads the Warriors with 12 points and seven goals in both categories.
Looking at the puck stoppers for Waldorf, Jordan Berschiminsky and Gage Reimer have handled a majority of the netminder duties. The Beavers got a look at both guys last time they faced each other in Minot. For Berschiminsky, he carries a 4.65 goals-against average and .897 save percentage. And Reimer, a 5.17 goals-against average and .898 save percentage. Both guys have faced a lot of shot volume, as they see an average of 38 shots per game.
Captain
Carter Barley for Minot State has been a leader by example without a doubt, as he inches closer to the 40-point plateau. He sits with 39 as the top point getter.
Reid Arnold has been responsible for a lot of goal scoring, as his 17 to this point of the season remains best on the Beavers.
The story in net for Minot State remains the same with a dual threat tandem of
Jake Anthony and
Riley Wallace. For Anthony, he enters this weekend with a 2.10 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. Wallace will look to bounce back from his previous match, but still sits comfortably with a 1.46 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. While those guys have led the way in goal, it is important to note that
Tre Sortland has one game played that took place against these same Warriors earlier in the season. He did well in his role back on October 13, 2023, finishing with a 1.00 goals-against average and .933 save percentage. It is possible he may go for one of these upcoming games.
Minot State is set to meet Waldorf for the third and fourth time this season. The Beavers went a perfect three-for-three versus the Warriors dating back to January 26, 2023. Last time these two teams got together, it was Minot who laid out a crushing 13-0 win over Waldorf just three and half months ago on October 14.
The Beavers will take their talents on the road once again for two games versus Waldorf. After they wrap things up with the Warriors, the Beavers will continue their road trip into St. Louis to take on Maryville for the first time under MSU Athletics affiliation. They march to the Saints barn on February 9 and 10.
