Reporting And Writing Class Fall 2010: Story # 3 - Beaver Hockey Celebrates Fan Appreciation Day Saturday with Green/White Game

Bemidji, Minn.

Beaver Hockey Celebrates Fan Appreciation Day Saturday with Green/White Game

BREC Shown off During Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House

By Eric Story
Published: October 12, 2010

Yes, the Bemidji Regional Events Center (BREC) grand opening isn’t officially until Friday, but Saturday afternoon fans got a sneak peak at the new digs and the new home of Beaver hockey. The BSU green/white intra-squad scrimmage was supposed to be held last Thursday, but was moved back to Saturday at 2:07 p.m. because of technical difficulties earlier in the week. It followed the 12:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the city of Bemidji and VenuWorks, which was open to the public.

Fans received a ticket to use at the concession stands upon entering the BREC which was good for a free pop and popcorn. The day was used as a dry run, to work out and try to avoid possible problems for Friday’s grand opening. “Overall it went good, we’ll run things like we did before” said Dan Bennett, games management graduate assistant.

A sound check with the public address announcer resulted in an ear piercing screech throughout the arena, which was followed by two more attempts with the same result before finally resolving the issue. “Today was defiantly needed” said Bennett.

At 2:07 p.m. the puck dropped for the controlled, two period intra-squad scrimmage. Forward Ian Lowe scored the unofficial first goal at the 13:19 mark of the first period, off a turnover at the blue line. Lowe finished the scrimmage with two goals helping the white team earn a 4-1 win over their teammates wearing green. “Cool I guess, not a monumental thing though” said Ian Lowe, referring to the unofficial first goal.

“The ice was really good” said defenseman Brad Hunt. “It was fun to get out there”.

Hunt scored the second goal of the first period at the 16:36 mark and assisted on Lowe’s second goal. Dan Bakala received the loss in net, stopping 12 of 14 shots. Mathieu Dugas earned the win stopping all 13 shots he faced. Forward Drew Fischer was seen changing teams in the second period, joining goalie Mathieu Dugas in starting on the white team and finishing on the green team.

“(The puck) plays like (at) the Ralph (Engelstad Arena), NHL style” said Lowe. “The high glass should play to our advantage”.

After the game all the players took part in a meet and greet with the fans and signed autographs, while putting smiles on fans faces young and old. “(Coach) Tom (Serratore) stresses that this team belongs to the community” said Lowe.

“It's something that’s a lot of fun to do” said senior forward Matt Read. “It puts a smile on their face”.

There’s a sign that states ” trophy case coming soon” next to the student entrance and some holes where some interactive trivia screens will go in another part on the main concourse, so there’s still plenty to do before Friday.

While the BREC doesn’t quite have all of its finishing touches done yet, that didn’t take away from the chance to get that early look inside. “This building is incredible” said Mike Jung, a BSU student. “The service is five-star”.

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