The ACHA college hockey championship was held in Frisco, TX., where the Minot State Beavers held on for a 3-1 victory over Iowa State University, despite being outshot 34-24 in the final.

Five Manitobans dressed for the Beavers, including four former Manitoba Junior Hockey League veterans and one Kootenay International Junior Hockey League player. Winnipeg’s Adam Wowryk (Portage Terriers, Winnipeg Blues), Justin Metcalf (Neepawa), Rhett Lough (Selkirk, Waywayseecappo, Winnipeg), Portage la Prairie’s Johl Swedlo (Portage Waywayseecappo) and Carberry’s Jordan Robertson (Brandon Wheat Kings MMHL) all chipped in to help the number No. 6 seed Beavers capture the cup. Russell’s Landyn Cochrane also suited up briefly for the Beavers this past season. 

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Although falling behind early on in the first period Tuesday, Minot State battled back with a goal a period, helping fend off the Cyclones with a balanced attack. Goals came off the sticks of captain Blake Fournier, Shain Scheschuk and Eric Bollefer. Manitobans Wowryk and Swedlo each picked up helpers, while Vermillion, AB.’s Josh Bykowski turned aside 33 of 34 shots for the victory. 

The ACHA Division I championship in Texas capped off the 2018-19 season for the Beavers that saw Minot State beat out Illinois, Adrian, Lindenwood, and Iowa en route to the second national title in Beavers’ history.