Story # 3 - Beaver Hockey Celebrates Fan Appreciation Day Saturday with Green/White Game - Eric Story

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”.

Word count: 504

Pressbox view of center ice
Photo by: Eric Story



Goalie Dan Bakala warming up
Photo by: Eric Story



AIRC – American Indian Resource Center

A place for all students at Bemidji State University

By Taylor Klinke

Word Count = 513

Do you enjoy learning about different cultures? If you answered yes -- you need to check out the American Indian Resource Center on BSU campus. The AIRC first opened in October of 2003 with the main goal of enhancing recruitment, retention and graduation of American Indian students -- and it is the result of work by many people and organizations over a span of 35 years. The center welcomes anyone and offers many resources.

“The center is a great place where Indian students can gather for learning, support and cultural interaction. I like the atmosphere of the AIRC; I’m always comfortable here,” said BSU senior Pearl Walker (a current Indian Studies major), “If you have a question or need help with something there is always a faculty member or student that is willing to point you in the right direction.”

The 10,667 square-foot facility features classrooms, a kitchen, meeting rooms, study cubicles, exhibit areas, and a gathering space – with a coffee pot, refrigerator, pop machine and microwave for students to use.  “The AIRC has a very welcoming environment,” said AIRC Retention Counselor Colette Dahlke, “The lounge is a good place to study as well as the computer lab.”

BSU offers an Indian Studies Program that is open to all students, in addition to offering Indian students an academic area of study relevant to cultural heritage. It also offers students a better understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Indian history, language, and culture.

The AIRC is not only a place for studying and getting help – but is it also the home of the Council of Indian Students (CIS). The CIS is “a group of students who are passionate about working with the community and the college to focus on teachings of native heritage and values,” said BSU senior Fawn Belqarde, “We are diverse thinkers and invite anyone who is interested. The Council of Indian Students is about putting a positive light on the native community and being good role models to our youth.”

The CIS meetings are held each Monday night at 7 p.m. in the Gathering Room. In past years they have hosted a variety of events and fundraisers including: holiday parties, talent shows, fundraising dinners, highway cleanup, career expos, food drives, and the annual spring Powwow. 

“Being apart of the Council of Indian students has been conducive to my education,” said BSU junior Anna Goldtooth, “I love how supportive we are of one another. It’s been helpful to have a building that is student-centered and friendly.”

“Anyone can be in the CIS. They do not have to be Native American,” said Pearl Walker, “So come check us out. We are a friendly, funny, creative bunch of people.”

The American Indian Resource center is located by Chet Anderson Stadium or across the street from Birch Hall. The center is home to many student resources – such as tutoring, counseling, classrooms, etc. It is open to all students anytime during the school year.

Buffalo Statue infront of the AIRC