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FRISCO, T.X. -- It was a story book ending for Minot State Beavers. A "redemption" tour touted by the announcers at the ACHA for a team that had to run the gauntlet. First, the Beavers had to get through Illinois, the national tournament runner up and the team who knocked out the Beavers a season ago. Next up, the Adrian College Bulldogs, the defending national champions. Then in the national tournament semi finals, the Beavers had to get through the number 1 team, a team with only one loss. Then in the national championship game, the Beavers had to get through a team who swept them earlier in the year. 

Its a story line dream for any writer and all lead to the 2nd national championship in program history. 

"What a ride." Said Head Coach Wade Regier. "It was a grueling week, we had to endure so much adversity and battled all week. The character and leadership were the difference for us. The boys believed in themselves, a belief they could over come all obstacles. I am just so proud of these boys."

How it all came about. 

The Beavers entered the national tournament as the 6 seed and faced the 11 seed Illinois. The Beavers jumped out front early with a couple quick goals. The Illini fought back to make a game of it, but the Beavers stood tall in a 5-3 victory. 

The Beavers then faced the 3rd seed the Adrian College Bulldogs. The defending national champions were the team to beat. A team with only two loses and one of the most potent offenses. The Bull Dogs came out and took a 1-0 lead going into the third period. The Beavers rallied back with two quick goals. Both teams exchanged late goals as the Beavers hung on for the 3-2 win. 

The semi final was set. The Beavers faced the #1 seed Lindenwood Lions. The Lions boasted the countries best defensive numbers. The Lions had only one blemish on their record. This was the team to beat. The Beavers got a goal early from captain Blake Fournier, proceeded to battle defensively. The two teams turned the game into a defensive battle as the Beavers hung on to advance to the national championship. 

In the final, the Cyclones got out to the early 1-0 lead. The Beavers followed it up with a goal late, from none other Blake Fournier to even up the game. Early in the second, the Beavers added one from Johl Swedlo. The goal, ended up being the difference. Both teams battled the rest of the way. The Beavers added an empty netter to win its second ever national championship!

There will be multiple celebrations this week. Tonight (Tuesday) there will be an event at the MAYSA Arena 5:30-7:30pm and on the campus of Minot State University Friday 3:00-4:00pm.