Connor Reilly and Justin Kloos scored for Minnesota, but Bemidji State scored three third-period goals to defeat the Gophers men's hockey team 4-2 Saturday in the first round of the North Star College Cup at Xcel Energy Center.
Markus Gerbrandt of Bemidji State (11-10-5, 7-9-4 WCHA) scored the game-winning goal with 3:54 remaining, about five minutes after the Beavers' Cory Ward tied the game at two. Gerbrandt added an empty-net goal with 66 seconds remaining.
Reilly gave Minnesota (13-11-0, 8-2-0 Big Ten) a 1-0 lead 3:33 into the game, and Kloos gave the team a 2-1 lead 7:52 into the third period. Their linemate, Tyler Sheehy, assisted on both goals.
Goalie Eric Schierhorn saved 29 shots for the Gophers, who lost for the first time in six games. Bemidji State's Michael Bitzer saved 30 shots, including 15 in the third period.
The Beavers will play third-ranked St. Cloud State at 4 p.m. on Sunday, as they attempt to repeat as North Star College Cup champions. The Huskies (21-5-1,12-3-1 NCHC) defeated 19th-ranked Minnesota State 5-4 on Friday.
Minnesota will face the Mavericks (13-9-5, 12-3-5 WCHA) in the third place game at 1 p.m. Sunday.
FOX Sports North will televise both games.
