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MSU men’s hockey falters in grudge match against Jamestown

Alex Eisen/MDN Minot State goaltender Joshua Bykowski (39) stops Jamestown skater Michael Pruss (10) Friday evening at Maysa Arena in Minot.

Battling the weather elements wasn’t a concern Friday evening inside Maysa Arena in Minot.

A week after dropping a snowy 2-1 shootout loss in Jamestown on an outdoor rink, the No. 4-ranked Beavers (20-3-3) suffered another setback, 4-1, against the No. 13 Jimmies (20-6-0) on their home ice.

Jamestown has given the Beavers both of their home losses this season (11-1-1).

After MSU’s Justin Metcalf was given credit for the opening goal late in the first period, some controversy surfaced when the Beavers believed they had a second goal minutes later.

MSU’s leading goal scorer Adam Wowryk got to the front of the net and redirected a shot from the wing past Jamestown’s goaltender Tyson Brouwer.

The flashing lights signaled a goal, but officials gathered at center ice to discuss how the puck ended up in the net. After talking it over, the goal was waved off because of a high stick.

Minot took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission instead of a 2-0 cushion.

MSU goaltender Joshua Bykowski did everything possible to keep the Beavers in the lead. After a handful of impressive saves — showcasing the same type of form he was in during MSU’s 2019 National Tournament run — the Jimmies finally broke through.

Dylan Haney skated his way into the slot and beat Bykowski on his glove side.

With 3:24 left in the second period, Jamestown seized the lead on a shot from the blue line by defenseman Vladislav Zamzhytski. With traffic crossing in front of him, Bykowski didn’t have enough time to react.

Jamestown took a 2-1 lead into the third period.

Landyn Cochrane found the wrong side of the post from point-blank range to keep the Jimmies ahead.

That misfortune was followed by a five-minute major and game misconduct penalty to Wowryk for boarding. Jamestown’s Carter Johnson poached a rebound goal on the ensuing, lengthy power play.

A redirect goal for Jimmies’ Cole McKechney with 9:14 remaining saw MSU fans heading toward the exits with Jamestown up 4-1.

The Beavers failed to generate any more offense. Jamestown outshot Minot State 43-35.

Both teams head back to Jamestown for the second leg of the home-and-home series at the John L. Wilson Arena. Puck drop at 7 p.m. this evening.

Alex Eisen covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.

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