BEMIDJI – The Bemidji State men’s hockey team revealed its full 2022-23 regular season schedule on Thursday, establishing the slate the Beavers will navigate as they attempt to return to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three seasons.
BSU will play 14 games against 2022 NCAA Tournament participants and 26 games against CCHA opponents.
“We’re excited to begin the 24th season of D-I Bemidji State men’s hockey,” said head coach Tom Serratore in a release. “It’s great to play 14 games against opponents in last year’s national tournament, with seven being at Sanford Center. Along with a strong and competitive league schedule, the 2022-23 season should be exciting for Beaver Hockey Fans.”
BSU drops the puck first against Arizona State in a two-game nonconference series at the Sanford Center on Oct. 7-8.
Other nonconference opponents for the Beavers include St. Cloud State, North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth.
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BSU commences CCHA play with a road series against 2022 NCAA Tournament member Michigan Tech on Oct. 21-22. The Beavers host their first conference home series against Ferris State on Nov. 4-5.
The CCHA playoff format will be the same as it was in the conference’s inaugural season in 2021-22. All eight teams will make the postseason, with the top four hosting a best-of-three quarterfinal series. The winners will advance to one-game semifinals hosted by the highest remaining seeds, with the semifinal winners playing for the Mason Cup Championship in a single game at the highest remaining seed. The Mason Cup winner will receive an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
The Beavers finished the 2021-22 season with a 19-20 overall record (14-12 CCHA) and reached the Mason Cup Championship game, losing 2-1 to Minnesota State in overtime to end the season.
