The Beavers moved to 12-7-1 in College Hockey America play, and earned a first-round bye in the CHA tournament as the number two seed. The loss leaves the Chargers at 12-7-1 in conference play, and a number three seed entering the conference tournament next weekend by virtue of a tiebreaker with Bemidji State.
After a rather mundane first period, Bemidji State got on the board first when Ryan Huddy caught Charger goaltender Scott Munroe (Moose Jaw, Sask.) unaware and ripped the icebreaker through on the power play. Not long after, a Tyler Hilbert (Okotoks, Alb.) penalty created another power play opportunity. After a Grant Selinger (Regina, Sask.) shorthanded try clanked off the pipe, the Beavers turned it around and Ryan Miller put home a rebound to make it a two-goal lead. Rob Sirianni cashed in on a third power play chance after Steve Canter (St. Louis, Mo.) was sent off on an elbowing call. After failing to register a power play goal in three games against the Chargers, they were suddenly 3-for-3 in the second period.
The Beavers continued to pour it on in the third period, as Sirianni notched a power play tally with just one second remaining on a Mike Salekin (Castlegar, B.C.) hooking call. The icing on the cake for the Beavers came with just over two minutes remaining, as Luke Erickson scored yet another power play goal to close out the scoring.
It marked the third time this season the Chargers have given up five power play goals in a game, and the second time in three weeks. It was also the fifth time the Chargers have been shutout this season. Conversely, the Chargers have failed to shutout a regular season opponent for the first time in 13 seasons, dating back to the 1992-93 campaign.
The Chargers will prepare for the College Hockey America tournament this weekend, where they will take on sixth-seeded host Wayne State. Game time is Friday night at 6:35 p.m. CST.