Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a popular sport in the United States, and the Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey team is one of the most renowned college ice hockey teams in the country. The Beavers compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and have a proud history dating back to 1947. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey team, including their history, notable players, accomplishments, and future prospects.
The History of Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey
The Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey team was founded in 1947 as part of Bemidji State University's athletic program. Since then, the team has gone through several ups and downs, but has always maintained its competitive spirit and passion for the game.
One of the most remarkable moments in the team's history occurred in 2009 when they earned their first-ever trip to the Frozen Four. The Beavers beat Notre Dame in the Midwest Regional final to advance to the Frozen Four, where they eventually lost to Miami of Ohio.
The Beavers have also won a number of conference championships, including six championships in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association and three championships in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
Notable Players
The Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey team has produced several notable players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) and other professional leagues.
One of the most famous players from the team's history is Joel Otto, who played for the Beavers from 1980-1984. Otto went on to have a successful career in the NHL, playing for the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Dallas Stars.
Another notable player from Bemidji State is Matt Read, who played for the Beavers from 2007-2011. Read went on to play for the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild in the NHL.
Accomplishments
Over the years, the Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey team has achieved numerous accomplishments, both on and off the ice. Here are some of the highlights:
- Six Northern Collegiate Hockey Association championships (1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1999)
- Three Western Collegiate Hockey Association championships (2005, 2009, 2010)
- One Frozen Four appearance (2009)
- Countless individual awards and honors for players and coaches, including All-American selections and conference player of the year awards.
Future Prospects
The future looks bright for the Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey team. The team has a strong coaching staff led by head coach Tom Serratore, who has been with the program since 2001.
The team has also been successful in recruiting talented players from around the country and the world. In recent years, the team has had players from Sweden, Finland, and Canada, among other countries.
The Beavers are poised to continue their success in the coming years and remain one of the top college ice hockey programs in the country.
Conclusion
The Bemidji State Beavers Men's Ice Hockey team has a rich history, a talented roster of players, and a bright future ahead of them. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or a casual sports enthusiast, watching the Beavers play is always an exciting experience. So if you're ever in Bemidji, Minnesota, be sure to catch a game and cheer on the Beavers!
