MINOT, N.D. -- We are finally here. After last year's tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic, the 2021 national tournament begins today. The Beavers will face the 11th ranked Calvin Knights in round one tomorrow afternoon at 1:30pm. The Beavers and Knights have never faced each in college hockey play. The Beavers enter the tournament on a high note defeating the rival Jimmies in back to back games last week. The Knights enter the game losing in the GMHL championship to the top ranked Adrian Bulldogs. The Beavers are lead up front in scoring by freshman forward Carter Barley, who has sixteen goals, eighteen assists for thirty four points in twenty five games. The Knights are lead up front by senior forward Jared Virtanen who as seven goals, three assists for ten points in twelve games played. 

The Beavers once again enter the tournament with high hopes. The defending national champions went into the 2020 national tournament as the 5th seed and defending champs before the eventual cancellation of the tournament. Last year, the Beavers entered with a steady core of veterans off of the 2019 championship season, including returning MVP Blake Fournier, All-Americans in Paul O'Connor, Johl Swedlo and Josh Bykowski in goal. This year, the Beavers once again return a deep roster with large expectations. 

The 2021 national tournament comes with a new structure. Only 16 teams qualified for the single elimination tournament. The format dropped the play in game scenario to the traditional bracket format. Meaning, to win it all you need to win four games. The Beavers know full well they cannot look forward and instead, worry about the present. A task they are all too familiar with. 

"We are excited to finally be here." Said Head Coach Wade Regier. "We have been ready since January and know how to take this one game at a time, one shift at a time. Calvin presents its challenges. They have one of the best players in the country. They have played close games with one of the best teams in the country in Adrian and they come in with zero expectations, which is a great mindset to not over look the situation. They have a coach who has been around a very long time and are going to be very well prepared for us. They are going to bring a ton of energy and we are going to have to match it shift after shift. I look forward to our journey."

Scouting the Knights

Ranked: 11th, Record: 4-7-1, 35 Goals For, 48 Goals against. Head Coach: Mike Petrusma (22 season) 440-161-13

Game Information

Game time: 1:30pm

Location: Maryville Ice Center

Webcast: www.hockeytv.com ($)