Walters' OT Power-Play Goal Gives Bemidji St. Win
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Shea Walters scored a power play goal for Bemidji State in overtime as the Beavers beat Minnesota Duluth to win the opening game of the WCHA Final Five 3-2.
It was the first goal of the season for the junior center, and extended the Beavers' season by at least one more day.
Bemidji State (15-18-5) finished 10th in its first regular season in the WCHA, but upset Nebraska-Omaha in the opening round of the playoffs to get to the post-season tournament.
The Bulldogs (21-15-2) led 2-1 after 20 minutes thanks to their top two players, All-WCHA first teamers Jack and Mike Connolly (no relation), who both scored in the first period. The Beavers got a first period goal from defenseman Brad Hunt, just his third of the season, and star center Matt Read scored in the opening minute of the third period to tie the game.
Bulldogs goalie Kenny Reiter finished with 18 saves, while Dan Bakala had 20 for the Beavers, who will face Denver in Friday's semifinals.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
