Inside Hawk-ey Talk with Virg Foss: Why Beavers Pose a Challenge for University of North Dakota Athletics

Santa, Hockey, and Rivals: A Holiday Tale in Grand Forks

As Christmas approaches and winter sweeps into the Red River Valley, it’s no surprise to spot Santa Claus while shopping in town. When I sat on Santa’s lap, I shared my journey: retiring from newspapers 20 years ago but still finding joy in writing my column for UND during the holiday season.

With a hearty “Ho-Ho-Ho,” Santa shared a nugget of wisdom: “Beware the Beavers.”

This weekend, the Bemidji State Beavers face the UND Fighting Hawks in a much-anticipated hockey rivalry. Historically, UND has dominated this matchup with a 37-6-8 record since 1970. However, in recent years, the rivalry has become more balanced, with UND winning six out of the last ten games.

Currently, Bemidji State leads the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, while UND sits in fourth place in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. They’re only two points away from the top spot, with games still to play. In the NCAA Pairwise Rankings, UND is holding strong at 10th, while Bemidji State trails at 26th.

This rivalry isn’t just about geography; it has deep roots. Bob Peters, a former assistant coach at UND, built Bemidji State into a strong contender. Under current coach Tom Serratore, the Beavers are known for their disciplined play and solid defense. This winning formula has made them tough opponents. They’ve already played six overtime games this season, winning five, proving their knack for dramatic finishes.

While the hockey season unfolds, let’s take a moment to reflect on the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines these matchups. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

For more on this exciting rivalry, check out the NCAA Hockey Rankings for the latest updates.

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