MINOT, ND -- The #2 Minot State Beavers men's hockey team opened their weekend series against #8 Maryville University with a strong all-around performance, earning a 3-1 victory on Friday night at the Maysa Arena. With the win, the Beavers improve to 2-0-1 on the season, while Maryville falls to 5-3-0.
 
The Beavers broke through late in the first period as Jaxson Grosdidier scored his first collegiate goal at 17:01 into the period, assisted by Walker Jerome, to give Minot State a 1-0 lead after one.
 
Minot State extended its advantage early in the second period when Reece Henry found the back of the net at 3:18 into the period, assisted by Slade Stanick, making it 2-0. Maryville responded with a power-play goal at 15:57 into the period by Sidney McNeill, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into the third.
 
The Beavers sealed the win in the closing seconds of the game as Joey Moffatt scored an empty-net goal at 19:49 into the period to secure the 3-1 final.
 
Both teams recorded 28 shots on goal, with goaltender William Dyke turning in another strong performance for Minot State, stopping 27 of 28 shots to improve his record to 2-0-1.
 
Following Friday's win, the Beavers will look to complete the sweep when they face #8 Maryville again in game two on Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 pm at the Maysa Arena.