A week from today it will be “International Falls Night” more than 100 miles away from the Falls.
For the second year in a row, Bemidji State University will be recognizing the Falls at a men’s hockey game when the Beavers host the University of Nebraska-Omaha next Saturday night at the Sanford Center in Bemidji.
The evening will once again include International Falls Mayor Shawn Mason dropping the ceremonial first puck as well as a proclamation being read to recognize the Falls’ role in helping establish BSU hockey.
As noted in the proclamation:
“In 1946, the landscape of athletics at Bemidji State Teacher’s College was very different. But a group of young BSTC students sparked by Ed Johnson, a freshman from International Falls, Minn., saw the college was lacking athletic opportunities and decided to organize the first Beaver ice hockey team. With the blessing of the college administration, BSTC athletic director Jolly Erickson gave monetary support and arranged the team to play in the Bemidji City Arena. International Falls Youth Hockey Association donated the goalie equipment to the first Bemidji State Hockey team.”
For those from the Falls area not fortunate enough to win tickets in a local radio station giveaway promoting next Saturday’s game, which is slated to start at 7:07 p.m., reduced-priced tickets for Falls residents will be available at the Sanford Center.
Upon showing valid identification from International Falls at the Sanford Center box office, adult tickets may be purchased for $18 and kids tickets for $12.
In addition to the festivities surrounding next Saturday night, the game itself will also feature some flavor from the Falls on both teams.
BSU’s roster includes a Falls native, senior forward Drew Fisher, while the current head coach of UNO is a Falls High School graduate, Dean Blais.
