TURTLE RIVER, Minn. (Interstat) — Minnesota opens its women’s NCAA Division I hockey season Friday against Bemidji State at Bemidji Regional Events Center. The Golden Gophers are the visiting team, and the Beavers are the home team. Both teams enter the game with 0-0 records, giving each side a fresh start in the new campaign.

Minnesota’s most recent result was a 4-2 home loss to Northeastern on March 14. The Golden Gophers will look to turn that outcome around in their first game of the season. Bemidji State was last on the ice Feb. 28, when the Beavers fell 3-2 at Wisconsin. Bemidji State will aim to use home ice to begin the season with a stronger result.

The matchup gives both programs an early test in nonconference play. Minnesota will try to establish pressure and create scoring chances against a Bemidji State team that is familiar with the Golden Gophers. The Beavers will focus on defensive structure and limiting Minnesota’s opportunities in transition. The game is set for Bemidji Regional Events Center in Turtle River, Minnesota.

Minnesota’s schedule continues with a second meeting against Bemidji State. The Golden Gophers then are scheduled to host Maine, Ohio State for two games, Lindenwood for two games and Saint Cloud State. Minnesota also has two road games at Minnesota-Duluth. Bemidji State’s upcoming slate includes a second game against Minnesota, a trip to Maine, a game at Minnesota, home games against Minnesota-Duluth for two games and Minnesota State, and road games at Saint Cloud State for two games and Ohio State for two games. The early portion of the schedule offers both teams several chances to build momentum before conference play intensifies.

The Beavers will open at home at Bemidji Regional Events Center against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers will play their first game of the season on the road. Special teams and lineup combinations will be part of the early-season focus for both teams. Both teams will be playing their first game since their most recent results, and each will be eager to set a positive tone.

For Bemidji State, the game is a chance to protect home ice and begin a demanding stretch that includes several prominent opponents. For Minnesota, the trip offers an opportunity to start the season with a road performance before returning home for a long run of games. The teams are scheduled to meet again as part of the early schedule, adding importance to the opening matchup.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Minnesota to defeat Bemidji State 3-0.