MINOT, N.D. – For the first time since early 2022, the Minot State men's hockey team will take on Grand Canyon University. After a tough outing versus the Jamestown Jimmies, the Beavers hope to get back on track when they welcome the Antelopes to the Magic City for the first time since 2019.

The 2^nd-ranked Beavers (12-4-0) are back on home ice to face the Antelopes (7-10-0) for a two-game set at Maysa Arena. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. for both Friday and Saturday.

Minot State finds themselves on a three-game losing streak, with aspirations of putting it to a halt this weekend. The Beavers crave for a bounce-back effort just coming off a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Jamestown back on Monday.

Grand Canyon rolls into the weekend looking to start a win streak of their own after beating San Diego State by a score of 6-0.

Leading the charge in scoring for the Lopes' is Hunter Schmitz, who sits at 18 points. Jacob Cummings is another player to keep an eye on. He has found the back of the net eight times so far this season, good for the top spot in goals scored.

Most efforts in net are shared between two goalies for Grand Canyon. Having appeared in 10 games, Riley Morgan has registered a 3.91 goals-against average and .878 save percentage. The next option is Jacob Demoranville. With nine games played, he carries a 3.54 goals-against average and .868 save percentage.

Scoring continues to be a driving force for the Minot State Beavers, as nine players have 10 or more points in the young season. Leading the way is captain Carter Barley, with 19 total points. He is also tied with Troy Hamilton and Reid Arnold for the team lead in goals with eight. On the defensive side, Christian Kadolph has continued to create an impact. He has 18 points from the back end.

With potential to see other goalies compete this weekend, Jake Anthony remains steady as the number one option for the Beavers. After playing in his 10^th game of the season, Anthony has tallied a 2.58 goals-against average and .905 save percentage.

The Beavers and Antelopes meet not just for the first time this season, but in the year of 2023. In their short matchup history, Minot State has won all three games versus Grand Canyon. The most recent being a 4-0 finish against the Lopes' in Phoenix.

Minot State will host Grand Canyon University at Maysa Arena to kickstart a five-game home stand. After they wrap up their clash with the Antelopes, the Beavers will have a meeting with the Midland Warriors for a Thursday-Friday series. A quick turnaround is in store for Minot State approaching the halfway mark of the season.