Lakers and Beavers Renew Historic Rivalry
The storied rivalry between Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Bemidji State University (BSU) returns over the December 7th and 8th weekend, steeped in decades of history and competitive intensity. These two programs, with their roots in the NAIA, have battled in numerous high-stakes matchups, including the 1974 NAIA national championship, where the Lakers emerged victorious. Now, they meet again with the all-time series tied at 41-41-6, underscoring the evenly matched nature of their rivalry.
In their most recent encounter, the Beavers claimed a hard-fought victory during the 2024 Mason Cup Semifinals. However, the last time Bemidji State traveled to Sault Ste. Marie, the Lakers defended home ice with authority, sweeping the weekend series. They secured a thrilling 4-3 overtime win on Friday before dominating with a 5-1 triumph the following night.
Momentum Heading into the Weekend
Both teams enter the weekend in strong form. The Lakers are riding high after a road sweep of St. Thomas, while the Beavers secured a win and a tie in a home-and-home series against North Dakota. The Lakers’ offense has been spearheaded by Connor Milburn (Kamloops, B.C.), the reigning CCHA Forward of the Week and Forward of the Month. Milburn tallied five points against the Tommies and led the nation with 14 points in November. He currently leads the Lakers in goals (7) and points (15).
Nate Schweitzer (Champlin, Minn.) has been a key playmaker for the Lakers, leading the team with nine assists. Impressively, 20 different Lakers have recorded at least one point this season, and 14 have found the back of the net. This depth has been instrumental to the team’s success, particularly in games where they establish early leads. The Lakers are 7-0-1 when leading after the first period and a perfect 7-0-0 when carrying a lead into the third.
The Beavers, receiving votes in both the USCHO and USA Hockey/The Rink Live national polls, bring their own star power. Senior goaltender Mattias Sholl has been a stabilizing force, recording five wins in November. He will face off against LSSU’s standout rookie netminder, Rorke Applebee (Chateauguay, Que.), who posted six wins last month. Both goaltenders are among the league’s best, promising a showdown between the pipes.
Defensive Excellence and Key Statistics
Since the start of the 2023-24 season, Lake Superior State has excelled defensively, boasting an 18-2-1 record when holding opponents to two goals or fewer. This defensive prowess will be crucial against a Bemidji State team known for its disciplined and structured play.
What to Watch
This weekend’s series is a clash of depth, skill, and resilience. The Lakers’ ability to capitalize on early leads and their balanced scoring will be tested against the Beavers’ formidable defense and the goaltending of Sholl. Meanwhile, Bemidji State’s ability to respond on the road after their last visit to Sault Ste. Marie ended in disappointment adds an extra layer of intrigue.
With a historic rivalry deadlocked and two teams in top form, this weekend promises to deliver yet another chapter in one of college hockey’s most compelling matchups.
