MINOT, N.D. – For the first such case since affiliation began with Minot State Athletics, the Beaver men's hockey team will be taking on Maryville University. The Beavers go marching to St. Louis for two games versus the Saints.

No. 1 Minot State (26-5-0) is set to face off with 8^th-ranked Maryville (19-9-1) this weekend. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (CT) both Friday and Saturday.

The Beavers are cooking as of late following a weekend sweep of Waldorf University. They are coming off a 7-0 win over the Warriors.

Aside from Waldorf, Maryville presents a different challenge for Minot State as the number eight team in the country. The Saints held their own versus Ohio University. After picking up an exciting overtime victory, they fell to the Bobcats 5-1 in their last time out. Looking ahead, however, it will be a busy week for Maryville. Before the Saints drop the puck with Minot, they welcome University of Arizona today at 8:15 p.m. (CT). They will already be in game mode by the time the Beavers come to town.

With 28 points including a substantial 19 goals, Sam Edwards is the player to look out for. He leads the Saints in both categories.

Having seen four goalies so far this season, Edward Coffey is the one who leads in the cage for Maryville. The Senior carries a 2.64 goals-against average and .907 save percentage.

Two players eclipsed 40 points last weekend for Minot State. Carter Barley stands right now as the leading point getter with 44. And getting close to the 20-goal mark is Reid Arnold. He sits with 19 to lead the team in that category.

The Beaver goaltenders are going to be well rested, as the top two options had last weekend off. Both Jake Anthony and Riley Wallace remain the same as far as their numbers go. Anthony is good for a 2.10 goals-against average and .918 save percentage with two shutouts in 17 games of action. Wallace in 11 games carries on a 1.46 goals-against average and .925 save percentage along with four shutouts.

Minot State will meet Maryville for the first time under MSU Athletics affiliation. They hope to set the tone early in a top ten ACHA division one matchup, a case in which the Saints will not be well rested the day prior. After the Beavers finish their time in St. Louis, they will return home to play another team they have not faced before under affiliation. Minot State welcomes Simon Fraser University to the Magic City for two exhibition games on February 16 and 17.