TUCSON, AZ — Minot State takes game one in two-night matchup against University of Arizona after taking 3-1 advantage in the second period. 

Having not taken the ice since December 4, the UArizona Wildcats stormed the TCC Arena with a fire under them, scoring the first goal of the night in the first period and allowing no Minot State goals through their defense. Ending the first twenty minutes of play down by one, the Beavers needed to get back into this Friday night competition with some insurance goals.  

Two minutes and thirty-one seconds into the second period Jay Buchholz, in his second game ever with the MSU Beavers, tied the score up 1-1. An assist by captain Davis Sheldon set Buchholz up for his first goal in a Minot State jersey, giving the Beavers confidence to take back the lead. Reece Henry took advantage of the Wildcats down one 'cat due to a penalty, shooting another goal into UArizona's net with assists by Eric Soar and Carter Barley on the power play advantage. With just fourty-four seconds left in the second period, Connor Navrot and Eric Soar (2nd asst) chipped the puck up to Jared Hamm on a second PP advantage, giving the Beavers a 3-1 lead over the Wildcats. 

MSU goalie Jake Anthony only allowed UArizona's first period goal through the pipes the entire night, saving the remaining 18 shots that came his way throughout the game. The defensemen protected their 3-1 lead the remainder of the night as well, giving the Beavers the victory in Tucson. MSU has improved their away record to 9-0-0, and have also broken the Wildcats' win streak as well as their undefeated title on home ice. 

Minot State, now 18-2-0-0, will go for round two against the Wildcats tomorrow, January 8th at 2:00p.m. CT at the Tucson Convention Center.