Men’s D1 hockey breaks even with No. 1 Minot

The Minot State Beavers, like an actual beaver, are no stranger to protecting one another. After a blowout loss to the Flames on Feb. 24, Minot’s dam of defenders helped their team to a comeback victory in game two, 5-3. 

Prior to the upturn, however, the No. 1 Beavers were stunned in the opening match at LaHaye Ice Center. Anyone who heard the score was 5-1 wouldn’t be surprised at the outcome, until they realized it was the Flames pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the season. 

Liberty opened the series with a goal from junior forward Jason Foltz, who scored in close range. Moments later, sophomore defenseman Colton Kovich scored a goal of his own to make it 2-0. 

Two thirds of the way through the first, the Flames appeared to have the momentum. Not only did they hold a two-goal advantage, but there were a combined zero penalties in the contest. Both Liberty and Minot State are no stranger to the penalty box, as they both entered the series with over 400 penalty minutes on the season.

The second period would start with a bang. A lucky stick tap from sophomore forward Truett Olsen led to another Liberty goal, extending its lead to three. Sophomore forward Jacob Kalandyk then put two more pucks in the net to end the period and extend the lead to five goals. 

A few late scrums led to offsetting fouls, and both teams killed the penalties they committed. 

The third period was one highlighted by defense. The Flames defensemen played tight to the net, redirecting almost every shot attempt from the Beavers. A late Minot State goal came from freshman forward Christian Kadolph to spare the shutout. 

Despite the late goal, Liberty’s Hunter Virostek put on a clinic between the pipes. He had 36 saves on 37 shots, which gave him his second best statistical output of the year. His head appeared to be on a swivel, and he was unafraid to put his body on the line. 

Liberty’s defense protected Virostek well Friday night too, and it eased the pressure on him to make the crazy saves he’s known for.

“Sometimes you get those games, right? A lot of puck luck. The boys were playing hard. I was also just giving it my all, and sometimes it works out that way,” Virostek said. 

On Saturday night, the Beavers defense needed to step up. Minot State Head Coach Wyatt Waselenchuck described the prior evening’s performance as the worst he’s seen from his team in a couple of years. Despite their poor showing, Waselenchuck gave his goalie, Jake Anthony, a bid of confidence before Saturday’s matchup. 

“He could’ve played a perfect game last night, and we still probably lose 3-1 or 2-1,” Waselenchuck said. “Pulling him was never a thought.”

Anthony’s second start in net saw early adversity. The Flames jumped out to an early lead after a blue-line blast from sophomore defenseman Nate Cox. Moments later, Davis Sheldon scored a goal for the Beavers to tie it at one a piece. Foltz added another Liberty goal late in the first period to make it 2-1.

Foltz netted his second goal around two minutes into the second period. Following the score, Jake Anthony appeared distraught, shaking his head and spraying water in his face. 

“Their defense was kind of deep backing up. I thought he was trying to screen the goalie, so I pulled it back inside and picked the top corner,” Foltz said about his second goal.

Anthony would allow no more goals for the remainder of the evening. His defensemen answered Waselenchuck’s call to step up. Liberty’s troops, however, began to collapse. 

Two more Beaver goals rounded out the second period. Graduate forward Landyn Cochrane and graduate forward Drew Carter both put biscuits into the basket, tying the score at 3-3.

“Puck luck wasn’t as much on our side,” Virostek said. “Those first two goals that they had came from some good bounces. I wasn’t able to make the crazy saves like on (Friday), so it kind of goes that way sometimes.”

Freshman forward Sheldon Howard scored the game-winner early in the third period off a lucky deflection.

“We got caught flat footed on that one,” Flames Head Coach Kirk Handy said.

 Liberty knew it needed an answer fast. Despite several power play chances, the Flames were unable to score on special teams. Late in the game, Virostek was pulled for an extra skater, and Minot State scored in the empty net. 

This game was the regular season finale for the Flames, who now have three weeks off before their appearance in the ACHA National Tournament next month. Despite the loss, however, the Flames are confident in their ability to make a deep playoff push.

“We can beat anyone. We’ve proven we can beat one, two, three and four this year, and I think we’re the only team in the country to be able to do that,” Handy said. “I like where we’re at. We’re going to heal up and be ready to go.”

“I feel like we have an advantage over most of the teams there who haven’t played the top teams, so I think we’ll have a good run,” Foltz added. 

Now, Liberty sets its sights on a postseason run, one that will begin March 16 at the ACHA National Tournament in Boston, Massachusetts, with all games airing on Hockey TV. 

Wheeler is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow him on Twitter