On Tap:    16th-rated Minnesota State (2-2-0 overall, 0-0-0 WCHA) begins Western Collegiate Hockey Association action this weekend with a pair of games at Bemidji State (2-3-1, 1-0-0 WCHA). MSU and BSU play at Sanford Center (4,373) in Bemidji Friday (7:37 p.m.) and Saturday (7:07 p.m.) CST.

About the MSU-BSU Series:  In a series that dates back to the 1974-75 season, the Mavericks trail in the all-time series with Bemidji State with the Beavers owning a 46-39-13 advantage. MSU has won the last three meetings between the two schools and stands 10-2-0 in the last 12 games.

MSU Most Recently:  In its most-recent outings on Oct. 18-19 (MSU was idle Oct. 25-26), after claiming a 2-1 victory, Minnesota State closed out a nonconference home series sweep by downing visiting Connecticut 6-1 in the second game.

About the Beavers:  BSU stands atop the 2013-14 WCHA standings after claiming a league road sweep at Alabama-Huntsville last weekend.   The Beavers, who bested the host Chargers  6-1 and 1-0 in opening league action, are paced offensively by junior forward Danny Mattson (1-5--6) and sophomore forward Markus Gerbrandt (4-1--5). Junior goaltender Andrew Walsh (2-3-1, .910, 2.64) has played all six games for BSU to date. Head coach Tom Serratore (Bemidji State '87) has constructed a 203-189-50 (.517) record and is in 13th year as head coach of the Beavers.

MSU All-Time:  The Minnesota State men's hockey program, begun in 1969-70, completed its 44th year of competition last year.  MSU is in its 17th year as a member of NCAA Division I (first DI season was 1997-98) and the Mavericks are entering their 15th season as members of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.The Mavericks sport an all-time record of 762-589-134 (.558).

For Future Reference: A total of four players on this year's Minnesota State roster have been selected by National Hockey League teams in the annual draft.

Sophomore goaltender Stephon Williams was picked by the New York Islanders in the fourth round (106th overall) in the 2013 draft. Freshman forward Zach Stepan was selected by Nashville in the fourth round (112th) of the 2012 draft. Sophomore forward Teddy Blueger was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round (52nd overall) in the 2012 National Hockey League Draft and junior forward Max Gaede was chosen 88th overall when he was selected in the third round of the 2011 draft by San Jose. Since the inception of the program in 1969-70, 16 current or former MSU players have been selected by NHL teams.

Tour of Duty: Junior forwards Matt Leitner and Jean-Paul Lafontaine and junior defenseman Zach Palmquist have not missed a game in their three-year Minnesota State careers having played in 83 straight games.

Top of the Heap: Former Minnesota State forward Tyler Pitlick (MSU 2010-11) made his National Hockey League debut for Edmonton when the Oilers played in Montreal Oct. 22. Another former Maverick forward, Travis Morin (MSU 2003-07) was called up by the Dallas Stars Sunday giving Minnesota State five former players currently on NHL rosters. Besides the aforementioned Pitlick and Morin, other former Mavericks currently in the NHL include David Backes (MSU 2003-06) of the St. Louis Blues, Ryan Carter (2004-06) of the New Jersey Devils and Tim Jackman (2000-02) of the Calgary Flames.
 
On Tap:  Following the games at Bemidji State, the Mavericks continue WCHA action with a two-game home series with Bowling Green Nov. 8-9.

Download the full, ten-page release by clicking HERE.