JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Time for one last playoff push as the 2023-24 regular season nears the finish line. The Minot State men's hockey team is back in action with two games on the schedule this week. Right ahead of them is a home-and-home set with longtime in-state rival Jamestown.

No. 1 Minot State (27-6-1) will close regular season play in a home-and-home series with 4^th-ranked Jamestown (24-8-0). Puck drop at Wilson Arena is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday, followed by a 7:15 p.m. (CT) start on Thursday at Maysa Arena in Minot.

Going from one in-state rival to another, the Beavers have been playing well in their last couple of games. Their previous stanza was a 7-0 win over University of Mary in impressive fashion.

The Jimmies are red hot themselves and coming off a victory in the Midwest College Hockey Conference championship. Their most recent game was also against University of Mary in a 2-1 decision as part of a six-game winning streak.

One player to watch who has emerged in Jamestown is forward Brad Fortin. He leads the Jimmies in both points (42) and goals (22).

Although, the star of the show for the Jimmies may reside in the crease. Brandon Weare has been exceptional as the number one goalie option for Jamestown. His numbers are off the charts, with a 1.41 goals-against average and .947 save percentage, alongside an astounding 12 shutouts in 32 games of action. He is very capable of winning a game all by himself, so the Beavers are going to have to make things uncomfortable in the blue paint if they are to have a chance at getting pucks past him.

Minot State has a lot of depth that can put the puck in the back of the net. Leading the charge in point total is captain Carter Barley with 46. Reid Arnold still holds the top spot for goals scored, as he sits at 19 heading into this week.

If it gets to a grind-it-out style of game, the Beaver netminders face the challenge of having to outduel Brandon Weare. Two options in net for Minot State are qualified and willing to stand up to the task. Riley Wallace picked up the start last week versus Mary and got his fifth shutout of the year, who also improved to a 1.38 goals-against average and .931 save percentage. After not playing last week, Jake Anthony should be well rested with a 2.15 goals-against average and .918 save percentage.

Minot State is set to rewrite another chapter in their long history with the Jamestown Jimmies. Although the Beavers won the last meeting 3-2 back on January 27, they will have to be on their toes. The Jimmies have been disruptive, winning two of the last five games between both squads. Minot possesses 20 wins against Jamestown since they began affiliation with MSU Athletics and look to keep it rolling.

After the two-game series with Jamestown wraps up in the Magic City, it is off to the ACHA National Tournament for the Minot State Beavers. They hope to defend their national title from last year as the Tournament kicks off on March 7 and runs through the 12^th.