PHOENIX, AZ - The Minot State Beavers men's hockey team defeated Grand Canyon University by a final score of 4-2 in game one of a two-game series on Friday, December 13, in Phoenix, Arizona. With the win, the Beavers are now 3-0-0 this season against Grand Canyon. Minot State's record now improves to 18-2-2, while Grand Canyon falls to 7-8-1 on the season. 

Minot State opened up the scoring in the first period on a Josh Pederson goal scored at 15:15 into the period to give the Beavers a 1-0 lead. The Beavers quickly took a 2-0 lead on a goal scored by Trenton Curtis at 16:15 into the period. Grand Canyon cut the Beavers lead down to 2-1 on a buzzer beater goal scored on the power play by Nash Jacobsma at 19:59 into the period. 

The Beavers were in full control in the second period. Minot State increased their lead to 3-1 on a goal scored by Joey Moffatt at 2:26 into the period. Reece Henry was the next Beaver to find the back of the net, scoring a goal at 10:13 into the period to give Minot a 4-1 lead. The Beaver's goaltender, Jake Anthony, held Grand Canyon scoreless in the second period, tallying 10 saves on 10 shots on goal. 

Grand Canyon scored the lone goal in the third period, scored by Tyler Misialek at 12:40 into the period, to cut the Beavers lead down to 4-2. Jake Anthony went on to shut down Grand Canyon for the remainder of the period to give the Beavers the 4-2 victory. 

Ben Johnson, Joey Moffatt, Jay Buchholz, Trenton Curtis, and Matt Egan were all credited with assists in the game. Jake Anthony led the way in goal for the Beavers improving his record to 10-2-1 while tallying 22 saves on 24 shots on goal. 

Following Minot State's game one victory over Grand Canyon University, the Beavers will be back in action tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, in game two of the two-game series against Grand Canyon University at 8:00 pm in Phoenix, Arizona.