×

Red hot

Wade Regier couldn’t have scripted a better start to the Minot State hockey season.

The Beavers, ranked No. 2 in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, have beaten the defending national champions (Lindenwood University) twice and defeated rival Jamestown in consecutive games en route to a perfect 6-0 start.

“We have an expectation that we’re going to win every game when we go into it,” Regier said. “I was obviously really pleased about the Lindenwood weekend and beating them twice. This last weekend, Jamestown surprised us in a good way. They’re a good young team that certainly follows every message their coach gives them. Those are two tough teams and good wins for us.”

MSU is one of three undefeated teams (that have played at least six games) in the ACHL along with Ohio University and Pittsburgh University.

Senior Jeremy Johnson has been a scoring machine for the Beavers, leading the team in points with eight goals and six assists. His 14 points rank as the sixth-most in the nation.

“Let’s put it this way, when he wants to be the best player in the country and take over games, he can do it,” Regier said. “Every time he touches the puck, he’s a threat to make something happen. For us, it’s always incredible to see him do it on a nightly basis because teams are always keying on him.”

Meanwhile, Dylan Johnson has racked up nine points (two goals, seven assists), while Shain Scheschuk has recorded eight points (five goals, three assists) for the Beavers. In the pipes, goalie Holden Kurtz has made 107 saves and has a 90 percent save percentage en route to a 4-0 record as a starter. Thus far this season, MSU has outscored its opponents 36-17.

Regier said the lopsided scoring differential in the Beavers’ favor has come from attacking the puck.

“Our identity as a program is we want to dictate everything,” Regier said. “We want to dictate the flow of the game and the pace of play. We hope to let teams react to us. That includes being aggressive with our forwards and we also have two or three defensemen that can really move the puck. We love to rush, so when people see our games there will be a lot of three-on-two situations.”

The Beavers are back in action at 5 p.m. on Friday at Maysa Arena against Williston State.

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

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today