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MSU hockey wins seventh straight

Minot State hockey has become allergic to losing.

The Beavers won their seventh straight game en route to staying perfect on the season, defeating Williston State 8-3 Friday at Maysa Arena.

“You know what, we’re rolling,” Minot State coach Wade Regier said. “It’s one of those things where good teams always find ways to win, whether it’s a greasy game on the road or a game like tonight. We have to keep building and getting better every day.”

Minot State dominated the first period, as Derrick Brooks got the Beavers on the board after capitalizing on a deflected shot and putting the puck into the right corner of the net. Later in the period, Carey Morrison took advantage of a power play opportunity and delivered a slapshot goal that wrapped around the net and gave the Beavers a 2-0 lead.

Williston State scored its first goal shorthanded in the second period, taking advantage of a poor pass from the Beavers that gave the Tetons a 2-on-1 breakaway. Nikita Zgirskis’ shot hung on top of the crossbar for what seemed like minutes, but eventually landed in the back of the net after a couple bounces. The Beavers responded a minute later on the power play with a goal from Johl Swedlo.

The two-goal advantage didn’t last long, as Logan Kraft scored after a Beavers turnover in their own zone.

Beavers forward Sam Briscoe who suited up for the first time this season made the most of his return to the ice by taking a perfect pass in the slot from Morgen Martelle and going top shelf for his first goal of the season.

“Our slot play was really good tonight,” Regier said. “I think earlier in the game we had extra opportunities to score from there but hit off the post a couple times. We were able to attack from that area and part of it had to do with our defense being so aggressive on the sides. That allowed things to open up in the high slot.”

The Tetons answered with a power play goal from Kyle Williams to reduce the deficit to 4-3 entering the third period.

Minot State opened the floodgates in the third period, outscoring Williston State 4-0 in the final 20 minutes.

“Our third periods have been great all season,” Regier said. “Being able to score has been contagious with our team. Once we got one, we just started getting a bunch in that third period. Hopefully we can play as well the rest of the season as we did in that stretch.”

Lyndon Lipinski started the scoring with a rebound from a Swedlos shot to make it a 5-3 game. Later, Blake Fournier scored the sixth Minot State goal of the game after getting an assist from his brother, Craig Fournier.

Minot State scored the third goal of the period when Brett McNevin placed a deflected pass down with his hand then fired a slapshot in open space to make it a 7-3 game. Swedlo scored the final goal of the night for the Beavers.

“Hockey is a funny game. Sometimes you just have to be lucky with slapshots sometimes and be in the right spot. We made a couple mistakes in the second period and they made us pay, but I think collectively our guys know they need to be more secure with the puck.”

MSU outshot Williston State 49-24. Beavers goalie Holden Kurtz had 21 saves in 24 chances, while Williston goalie David Krejcik saved 41 of 49 shots.

The Beavers (7-0) are back in action at 3 p.m. today in a rematch against Williston, this time on the road.

Garrick Hodge covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @Garrick_Hodge.

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