Minot State Athletics announced Monday the addition of women’s hockey as they transition into the department for the 2019-2020 academic year.

“The university has worked diligently to transition the women’s hockey program under the umbrella of the athletic department. We welcome the student-athletes and coaching staff to our family” says Director of Athletics, Andy Carter. “This is a great opportunity for both entities to grow from this transition. We are excited to have this dynamic program join our other 16 programs to continue to provide a first-class experience to all of our students.”

In their 2018-2019 season, the Beavers earned a berth in the American College Hockey Association (ACHA) national title contest after being ranked No. 1 in the West Region by the ACHA for seven weeks in a row. Their season ended in the championship game losing to Assiniboine 1-0, with three Beavers named to the All-Tournament Team — Vanessa Grimstad (1st Team), Mackenzie Balogh (2nd Team) and Shelby Tornato (2nd Team).

The transition under the Athletics department will not only help their growth as a program but give the athletes an “NCAA-type experience” to further their development as players and individuals. With this new guidance, the program looks to build off its strong foundation and continue to represent Minot State University as highly-respected team in the ACHA.

“I am very excited and fortunate for this new opportunity to work alongside Andy Carter and his team of athletics administrators. I am looking forward to working with the other coaches on campus as well” said head women’s hockey coach, Ryan Miner. “For the program, the bar will be raised but we are excited to represent the athletic department and University as a whole moving forward. For myself, I am looking forward to the opportunity and new experiences to grow as a coach and a professional.”

The 2019-2020 season will mark their inaugural year in Division I of the ACHA. The team will roster 24 players, including 11 returners, 10 incoming freshmen and three transfers.

— MSU athletics