By: Blake Friars- Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations

BOULDER, CO- The Minot State University Beavers begin their quest to repeating as National Champions this weekend in Colorado. The Beavers, coming off an impressive 4-0 preseason record, will now shift their focus to the regular season. The #1 ranked Beavers will open up the regular season tomorrow afternoon against the #19 University of Colorado Buffaloes. Over the last five seasons, the Beavers have dominated the Buffaloes. They hold a 13-2-1 record in that time frame, outscoring the Buffaloes 67-36. Although the games haven’t translated to wins for Colorado, 12 of the 16 games have been decided by two goals or fewer. Head Coach Wade Regier knows his team must be ready from puck drop. 

“We are finally excited to play for keeps now. This weekend has always been a struggle for us, they (Buffaloes) seem to always play their best against us”, said Regier.

Last season the Home/Road split was not kind to the Buffaloes. At home, they were 8-5-2, but it was a disaster on the road as they finished an abysmal 2-12-1. They finished the season 10-17-3 and failed to make the National Championship Tournament. At the end of the season, Colorado made a Head Coaching change. Brent Toller will take over the reins this season.

New season, same adversity for the Beavers. In the preseason they got hit with the injury bug. Sophomore forward Landyn Cochrane left the final preseason game against Briercrest with an Upper Body injury. In that same game, they also lost Senior Captain Blake Fournier, who exited with a Lower Body injury. Both players did not make the trip to Colorado. Rhett Lough slotted into Cochrane’s spot in the middle of Kirklan Lycar, and Johl Swedlo in practice this afternoon. Regier says it will be an adjustment mixing up the lines, but is confident in his group.

“We are definitely battling injuries right now with a number of key players unavailable. We are confident in the next man up mentality”, said Regier.

Puck drop tomorrow is at 2:00 PM, and Saturday at 2:30 PM. A Broadcast is still TBD. A link will be posted tomorrow if a broadcast is available. Follow along on Minot States Twitter for live updates. @MinotState.