MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State men's hockey team is set to take the ice for the second half of the regular season. In another installment of the rivalry, the Beavers host University of Mary for a quick midweek matchup at Maysa Arena.

The No. 1 Beavers (19-4-0) look to start the new year off right in front of the home fans in a 7:00 p.m. (CT) duel with the 7^th-ranked Marauders (17-7-1) on Wednesday.

Minot State is playing with confidence right now following their sweep over UNLV, as they are coming off a 5-0 shutout victory against the Rebels.

As for Mary, they will enter the night after dropping their last two contests on a disappointing weekend versus Colorado State. They hope to bounce back following a 4-1 loss to the Rams.

Since the last time both squads met, Seth Cushing was the player to watch. That remains the same as he sits with 19 goals and 32 points to lead the Marauders in both statistical measures.

Mary has relied on a goalie tandem for the first half of the season, but a new name has emerged in net for the Marauders. Conan Hayton's .912 save percentage and 2.56 goals-against average stay the same, as he has not played since both teams linked up in mid-December. However, former Minot Minotauros netminder Cameron Milewski has stepped up in spot duty for Mary. He currently possesses a 0.30 goals-against average and .986 save percentage in four games of work. The other goalie, Kyle Hayden, has taken over as the leader in games played amongst the three. He enters with a 2.24 goals-against average and .936 save percentage.

Looking at top skaters for the Beavers, Christian Kadolph added to his scoring total to make it 29 points, which keeps ahold of the top spot on the team. Despite not getting on the board versus UNLV, Reid Arnold is still ahead as the team's leading goal scorer with 13.

Last weekend was another series where both Minot State goalies each got a start. Riley Wallace made it count as he added another shutout to his resume and improved his numbers to a .918 save percentage and 1.50 goals-against average. Jake Anthony also holds steady for the Beavers, as he stands with a 2.26 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.

The Beavers are aiming to stay red hot against Mary, having taken the last five matchups against the Marauders and eight of nine in the all-time series. Minot State won 3-1 back on December 13, 2023, in the previous matchup that took place in the Magic City.

Minot State will hit the home ice for the first time in 2024 when University of Mary comes to town. Once they wrap it up against the Marauders, the Beavers will go on the road for four straight games in late January before returning home. Their next weekend series will be in Fremont, NE when Minot State takes on Midland University on January 19 and 20.