Miami finished a productive weekend at Bemidji State’s John S. Glas Arena Saturday night, defeating the Beavers 4-2 and completing its first sweep of a weekend road series since October of 1999.
Miami goaltender David Bowen stopped 11 Beaver shots in the period as Bemidji State held a narrow 11-10 advantage in shots on goal.
In a second period that was dominated by the power play, Miami made the most of its big opportunities while stuffing the Beaver power play unit. Junior Evan Cheverie netted Miami’s first goal on a three-on-five RedHawk power play,slapping home a shot that was set up by Ken Marsch’s crisp passing.
Miami was faced with a three-on-five deficit of its own late in the period but was able to hold off the Bemidji State attack. Mike Kompon, who was returning the RedHawks to full strength after the extended Beaver power play, picked up a loose puck behind the Bemidji State defense and beat BSU goalkeeper Bob Tallarico for an unassisted goal at 19:28. Bowen made 11 saves in the period to protect the Miami advantage.
Cheverie struck with his third power play goal of the weekend and clinched the first Miami multiple-goal game by an individual this season at 7:59 in the third period, using an assist from Ernie Hartlieb to pad the RedHawk lead.
Bemidji State’s Brad Johnson finally ended Bowen’s shutout bid at the 12:01 mark, sliding a shot behind the Miami netminder, but RedHawk freshman Derek Edwardson stole a cross-ice pass in front of the Bemidji State goal three minutes later and deposited it in the net for a back-breaking first collegiate goal.
Bemidji State’s Heikki Loffman added the contest’s final goal at 18:29.
The win secured Miami’s first weekend sweep of the season and first road sweep since it took two at St. Cloud State University over Oct. 15-16, 1999.
Miami improved to 3-5-2 on the season while Bemidji State dropped to 0-7-0 on the season.
Miami returns home this Friday and Saturday to host the University of Nebraska Omaha and Bemidji State travels to Findlay for a pair next weekend.
