CHESTERFIELD, MO. – It was a game with a high-stakes momentum swing, as the Minot State men's hockey team was in Missouri to kickstart a two-game set with Maryville University. The Beavers battled with the Saints in a hard-fought contest.

Unfortunately, it would be the No. 1 Beavers (26-6-0) falling to Maryville (20-9-2) by a final score of 3-2. Minot State got behind the eight ball early, falling 2-0 after the first period. The Saints were both determined and confident in their first two goals, with a nice follow-up effort just 46 seconds into the game and a finisher on the power play at 8:41. The Beavers did not let that get into their head, as they put on their hard hats and went to work. An opportunity to get back in it on the power play is just what the doctor ordered at 2:12 in the second period. And sometimes, you might just get lucky if you work hard enough. Thus, the Beavers were rewarded after redirecting the puck in traffic for a tie game. Inching closer to the one-minute mark of the third, a heartbreaker of a goal and incredible hand-eye coordination by Maryville for the game winner seals it with 1:10 left to go in regulation.

Down 2-0, it was Joey Moffatt who got the Beavers back to a one-goal deficit to cut the lead in half. His 10^th was followed by Walker Jerome's eighth of the season as he got a touch on a shot from the blue line that trickled in.

Jake Anthony got the start in net for the Beavers. After the early 2-0 deficit, he regained composure and gave his team a chance to win with 31 saves on 34 shots.

Both teams will meet again Saturday for an 8:00 p.m. (CT) puck drop at Maryville University Hockey Center.