Photo Credit: Alex Eisen Minot Daily News

MINOT, N.D. -- It was a somber feeling, just seven months ago, as another season of expectations were dashed at the hands of the Fighting Illini. The Beavers down a goal in the third, poured on the pressure amassing a shot differential of 18-3. Despite the on ice domination, the Beavers couldn't get one past Illini goaltender David Heflin. Fast forward to this Thursday night at 7:00pm and the Beavers have a golden chance to rewrite the ship. A chance most guys are looking forward to. 

"It certainly is something we have been looking at for some time." Said Head Coach Wade Regier. "Not only is it the team that knocked us out last year, but they are a team ranked #3 in the nation. It is vital we get off to a good start. They are very well coached with a lot of team speed. We will have to keep our feet moving all night " 

The roles for this game have changed. The heavily deep and heavily senior laden Beavers from a year ago are no more. The Fighting Illini who played the underdog role last season, return a high number of key returners, take on the role as the favorites. The Illini bring experience and an enormous amount of expectations after making it to the championship game last season. This matchup could be a preview of a national tournament game. A game with high emotions. 

Don't Forget about the Utes

This weekend brings a unique experience to the schedule, as the University of Utah Utes head to North Dakota as well. The Utes will travel to Thursday to Jamestown before heading up to Minot for Friday and Saturday night. The Utes are coming off their biggest win in the ACHA D1 era. Beating top ten UNLV 5-1. It looks as though the Utes have officially taken a big step in their rebuild, as they enter their third season in D1. The Beavers face off against the Utes on Friday and Saturday night. Both games are at 7:30pm

Alumni Weekend

This weekend marks the annual alumni weekend. The alumni game is schedule for 1:00pm on Saturday with a presentation for Alumni during the second intermission.