Johnson lifts Beavers to semifinals
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The top-seeded Minot State University hockey team notched the game-winning goal with 1:36 to play in the third period to edge Colorado 2-1 in Sunday’s Quarterfinals at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men’s D-I National Championship at the OhioHealth Ice Haus at Nationwide Arena.
Junior forward Dylan Johnson scored the game-winner on the power play to lift the Beavers to the national semifinals. Johnson’s goal was assisted by Kyle Lipinski and senior captain Eric Bollefer.
The No. 1 seeded Beavers will play No. 5 University of Illinois in Monday’s semifinals. The tournament was reseeded heading into the #FrostyFour with MSU taking on Illinois after UI upset No. 4 Ohio University, 4-3, in overtime. No. 2 Adrian College faces No. 3 Lindenwood University in the other semifinal. Minot State and Illinois are set to take the ice at 7 p.m. (CDT).
Bryce Lipinski skated the Beavers (38-2-1 overall) to a 1-0 lead midway through the first period, scoring on a feed from Craig Fournier. Derrick Brooks also notched an assist on the first goal.
Colorado (23-9-2) evened the game late in the first period as Christopher Doyle scored with just 1:36 to play in the first.
Neither team scored in the second period, setting up the late-game heroics by Johnson. Minot State finished with just one power play in the contest and Johnson made the most of it.
MSU goalie Joshua Bykowski was stellar in the contest turning away 31 of 32 shots for the win. His CU counterpart was nearly as stingy, finishing with 33 saves on 35 shots.
Minot State is looking for its first title game appearance since winning the ACHA championship in 2013. MSU earned its seventh straight trip to the quarterfinals at this year’s tournament.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
| Published: 03/12/18 |
