MINOT, N.D. - The Beavers are at home this weekend to take on the Ohio University Bobcats in a 2023-2024 playoff rematch. On Friday October 18, the Beavers are taking on the Ohio University Bobcats in the "Defend the Pepsi" game at 7:30 pm at the Maysa Arena. Following Friday's game, on Saturday October 19, the Beavers are again taking on the Ohio University Bobcats at 7:30 pm at the Maysa Arena. The Bobcats are currently 4-0-0 to start the season.

When asked about how excited this team is for its home-opener, head coach Wyatt Waselenchuk answered by saying, "we are super excited to get back on home ice. It's been a long time coming and I know there's a buzz around the city. We are expecting a nice crowd and when you have a program like Ohio here, it adds to the excitement."

Minot State is coming off of their first loss of the season against #6 University of Jamestown. On Thursday October 10, the Beavers took on the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, North Dakota. The Beavers and the Jimmies traded goals early, but a late rally by Jamestown proved to be enough to take down this strong Minot State team. The Beavers are currently 3-1-0 to start the season. 

This weekend's two-game home-opener against the Ohio University Bobcats is a rematch from the 2023-2024 playoffs which saw the Bobcats defeating the Beavers 2-1 in overtime. Historically, the Bobcats hold 4 wins over the Beavers, whereas the Beavers hold 1 win over the Bobcats. It can always be expected to be an extremely competitive match-up when these two teams play one another. 

When asked about how the team is feeling going into the 2023-2024 playoff rematch against Ohio University, head coach Wyatt Waselenchuk responded by saying, "we are a motivated team. They've ended our season 2 of the last 3 years. It's been in our minds all summer. That being said, the past is the past and we are moving forward with that mindset. We know it will take an incredible effort on our end to compete with them. They're as good as it gets at our level. They're incredibly structured, fast and their skill is off the charts. It'll be a tough test for us, and I know we are looking forward to playing a team of their caliber, especially here in Minot."

Players to watch:

Colby Joseph is the leading forward with 3 goals and 4 points on the season, Austin Clyne is the leading defensemen with 1 goal and 2 points on the season, and Jake Anthony is currently 2-1 in goal with a 0.893 save percentage. 

Following this weekend's two game set, the Beavers will be heading back on the road. On Saturday October 26, the Beavers will be in Mandan, North Dakota to take on the University of Mary at 7:00 pm. The Beavers previously took on the University of Mary this season back on October 2 which resulted in the Beavers winning 5-4.