Box Score Bemidji, Minn. --- Minnesota State was looking for someone to come up with a key goal late in the third period, and got it when senior forward Johnny McInnis scored with less than five minutes remaining in securing a 4-3 Western Collegiate Hockey Association victory at Bemidji State Saturday.

The Mavericks, who had lost to the host Beavers the night before, jumped out to a 2-0 lead after freshman forward Zach Stepan scored a power play marker for his first career goal at 4:40 of the first period and sophomore forward Bryce Gervais tallied with a shot from the slot at 7:40 of the second period for his third goal of the season.

The feisty Beavers responded with two goals before the end of the middle period on goals by Mitch Cain at 12:03 and Graeme McCormick at 19:42 to knot the score heading into the final stanza.

Then, at 15:08 of the final period, McInnis broke the tie when he went on on the left side and made a strong move toward the goal below the face-off circle, taking the puck from his backhand to his forehand before shooting toward the net. BSU netminder Andrew Walsh, who finished the game with 27 saves, made the initial save, but McInnis retrieved his own rebound and batted the puck into the back of the net. The goal is the first of the season for the Boston, Mass., senior.

Minnesota State sophomore Teddy Blueger's empty net goal at 19:50 proved to be an important one, turning into the game-winning goal as BSU defenseman Sam Rendle tallied the game's last goal at 19:59.

Maverick freshman Cole Huggins, who made his career start in goal in the game, got his first career win in turning aside 28 BSU shots.

Minnesota State ups its record to 3-3-0 overall, 1-1-0 WCHA with the victory, while Bemidji State falls to 3-4-1 overall. 3-1-0 WCHA. The Mavericks return home to continue WCHA action next weekend with Bowling Green visiting Verizon Wireless Center Friday and Saturday.

Head coach Mike Hastings commented following the game.