DENVER, CO. – The Minot State men's hockey team wrapped up their first ever weekend of NCAA DI exhibition action after facing off with the University of Denver Pioneers at Magness Arena.

The Beavers (17-4-0) had some good moments, but ultimately fell to the Pioneers (12-5-1) by a final score of 9-3. It was another opportunity for Minot State to get an extended look against some of college hockey's best at the NCAA level.

Despite the sizable shot differential, the Beavers held their own against Denver on the scoreboard early. The Pioneers opened the game by filling the net twice. It was only a 2-1 deficit for Minot heading into the second period after the Beavers got on the board with 37 seconds left in the first. That remained until the Pioneers scored two quick goals in the first three minutes of the middle frame. The Pios added two more halfway through the period before the Beavers tallied one of their own. Moving into the third period, it was a pleasant start for Minot State as they cut the lead in half just 59 seconds into the final period of regulation. That would be all the Beavers could gather as Denver finished the game off with three more goals to close it out for the home team. Nonetheless, to get three against top-level competition is impressive for the program to come away with.

Sheldin Howard was in the right place at the right time as he made himself noticeable tonight, scoring twice for the Beavers including one on the power play. Ryan Monias became the other goal scorer for Minot after he stuffed home a loose puck past the pad of Freddie Halyk.

Both Jake Anthony and Riley Wallace made appearances in the net for Minot State. Anthony started the game, making 28 saves on 35 shots. For Wallace, he had 9 saves on 11 shots.

The Beavers made history this weekend marking their first sample size against NCAA competition. They will be back on the road to kick off the 2024 portion of the season when they visit UNLV on January 5 and 6.