LAS VEGAS, NV. – It does not get crazier than what happened tonight at City National Arena in Vegas. The Minot State men's hockey team battled in a high-scoring affair with the 5^th-ranked University of Nevada-Las Vegas Rebels. One that went the distance and needed not overtime, but a shootout to decide the winner in the first game of the weekend slate.

The No. 1 Beavers (18-4-0) and UNLV Rebels (15-4-1) combined for nine goals, including the shootout goal as both teams kicked off the weekend with fireworks on ice. UNLV got things going with two goals within the first nine minutes of period one, meaning the Beavers had to play catch up. Minot State was able to get back in it with a redirected shot from the blue line to cut the lead in half at 2-1 just over five minutes before intermission. The second frame was a better turnout for the Beavers, as a power-play goal not even two minutes into the period became an early equalizer. Nearly 15 minutes would pass by until the Rebels retook the lead 3-2. Minot State showed their grit and championship prowess by responding 45 seconds to tie the game again and head into the locker room with a barn burner in progress. In the third, the Beavers took their first lead of the game at 4-3 nearing the halfway mark of the period. UNLV would not go down easy however, as the Rebels would go on to tally the game-tying goal with under two minutes to go in regulation.

After 60 minutes, both teams sat at four goals apiece. The score would remain the same after overtime, despite multiple grade A opportunities from each side. A shootout would determine the winner, as Minot State scored on their first two attempts and UNLV had their chances denied for the 5-4 victory by the Beavers.

Both teams will meet again tomorrow at City National Arena for an 8:00 p.m. (PT) puck drop.

Joey Moffatt was big for the Beavers, recording a goal and assist and a goal in the shootout. Sheldin Howard is starting to find a groove as he registers a power-play marker in the second period. Jay Buchholz made his opportunity count when he scored all alone on the breakaway. Troy Hamilton also found the back of the net to wrap up the Beaver scoring in regulation. Christian Kadolph added an assist and became the other goal scorer in the shootout that helped Minot State secure the win.

Jake Anthony made some stellar saves late in the game for the Beavers when called upon, with 35 saves on 39 shots and two stops in the shootout.

The Beavers found a way after being down 2-0 and 3-2 to get the shootout win over UNLV. They split the season series with the Rebels. Along with that, their first win against UNLV under affiliation of Minot State Athletics.