Minot State University Athletics has kicked off 2025 with thrilling performances from both the wrestling and men's hockey teams. The Beavers wrestling squad opens its NSIC dual season on January 6 with a highly anticipated matchup against Minnesota State Mankato at the Minot State Dome. Coming off two consecutive wins at Mankato, the Beavers are eager to maintain their momentum on home turf.
The dual will feature nationally ranked competitors from both teams, adding to the intensity of the contest. Among Minot State’s wrestlers, standout performers include Wayne Joint, ranked No. 20 at 133 pounds, Cannon Potts at 197 pounds, ranked No. 12, and heavyweight Jake Swirple, who sits at No. 9. Their Minnesota State Mankato counterparts are equally formidable, with Drake Hayward at No. 8 (174 pounds), Brayden Sonnentag (141 pounds, ranked No. 15), Walker Bents (149 pounds, ranked No. 16), Caleb Meunier (157 pounds, ranked No. 9), and Kole Marko at No. 18 (165 pounds) bringing their own strength to the mat.
The matchup, set to begin at 7 p.m., is expected to highlight the Beavers' upperweight classes, particularly with Swirple aiming to secure the dual’s outcome positively.
Meanwhile, the Minot State University (MSU) men’s hockey team has also found success, securing back-to-back wins against Midland University over the weekend at Maysa Arena. The Beavers blanked Midland with impressive scores, achieving shutouts of 6-0 and 8-0, showcasing their offensive prowess.
On January 4, the Beavers kicked off the series with an 8-0 victory. They came out strong, scoring three goals during the first period alone, with Josh Pederson, Colby Joseph, and Logan Rands finding the net. By the end of the second period, the Beavers had pulled away to 6-0, thanks to goals from Trenton Curtis and Joey Moffatt, both of whom continued their scoring spree.
The following day, January 5, solidified their dominance as they shut out Midland again, winning 6-0. Reid Arnold delivered exceptional performance scoring two goals, complemented by contributions from teammates like Reece Henry and Matt Egan. Goaltender William Dyke played valiantly, successfully blocking all of Midland's shots throughout the match, which marked his record to 8-0-1 for the season with 20 saves.
With these victories, the Beavers improved their hockey record to 20-2-3, whereas Midland's record dropped to 13-13-1. Fans are urged to mark their calendars for the next event, where the Beavers will face #14 University of Mary at 7:00 p.m. on January 8 for Hockey Booster Night and Youth Sports Night.
These events reflect the Beavers’ commitment to excellence and detail just how passionate the athletes and fans are about their teams.