BEMIDJI, Minn. | The University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey team was edged 3-1 by rival Bemidji State at the Sanford Center on Friday night in the first of four WCHA matchups between the two teams in the 2017-18 season. UAH dips to 6-13-2 (5-8-2 WCHA), while BSU improves to 8-6-5 (5-4-4 WCHA).
 
Turning Point
- With the score knotted at 1-1 midway through the second period, Bemidji State pulled ahead at 15:57 of the middle frame as Zach Whitecloud scored for the Beavers to give the hosts a one-goal lead on the way to the 3-1 win over UAH.
 
Scoring Breakdown
- Bemidji State jumped first on the board on Friday night at 6:04 of the opening period on a tally by Adam Brady.
- Jordan Uhelski was provided some early work between the pipes in the first stanza, stopping 15-of-16 shots through 20 minutes of play.
- The Chargers evened the score at 1-1 in the second period on the power play at 5:45 on a one-time goal by Huntsville native Josh Kestner thanks to assists from Tyler Poulsen and Cam Knight.
- BSU's Whitecloud registered the game-winner later on in the second period at 15:57 before an empty-net goal by Brady in the third period at 19:36.
- Despite allowing the game-winning goal in the second, Uhelski stopped a total of 19 Beaver shots in the period while keying two successful penalty kills.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Kestner's goal was the 13th of his senior season, while Poulsen notched his 11th assist and Knight registered his ninth helper.
- Uhelski dipped to 6-9-2 in goal this season, finishing the contest with 39 saves and two goals allowed.
- The Chargers went 1-for-1 on the power play, while the Beavers were held scoreless in three power-play opportunities.
- UAH boasted 19 shots on goal, paced by junior defensemen Kurt Gosselin with four.
- Cody Champagne and Hans Gorowsky followed Gosselin with three shots on goal apiece.
- UAH went 22-for-55 in the face-off circle.
 
Noteworthy
- Kestner is the first UAH player to score 13 goals in a season since both Grant Selinger (17 goals) and David Nimmo (14 goals) eclipsed the mark in 2006-07.
- Kestner's registered 11 of his goals during the WCHA slate, entering the day tied for first in the conference schedule.
- Poulsen has three points in the past four games on two goals and one assist.
 
Next Time Out
- The Chargers and Beavers wrap up the series at the Sanford Center on Saturday at 7:07 p.m.