Nov. 2, 2009

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. -- Bemidji State University sophomore goaltender Dan Bakala (Calgary, Alberta) has been announced as College Hockey America’s Defensive Player of the Week for his role in the Beavers’ CHA-opening sweep of the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

Bakala posted a pair of overtime victories to keep the Beavers’ unbeaten in 2009-10. Bakala turned away a career-best 29 shots in a 2-1 victory Saturday only to better that with 31 saves in another 2-1 overtime victory Sunday afternoon. In 124:45 minutes of action during the weekend, the sophomore piled up 60 saves, a .968 save percentage, allowed just two goals and finished with a 0.96 goals against average. He is 4-0-1 on the season has allowed 1.75 goals per game and has a .933 save percentage.

The award marks the first conference honor for Bakala, while it stands as the sixth NSIC weekly award of the 2009-10 for the Bemidji State men.

Bemidji State (5-0-1:2-0-0 CHA) continues CHA play this weekend as it welcomes Robert Morris University (2-4-0: 0-0-0 CHA) to the John S. Glas Fieldhouse. The series is set to begin at 7:35 p.m. Friday with the series final schedule for a 7:05 p.m. opening face off.

2009-10 Bemidji State CHA Player of the Week recipients
Oct. 12 - Matt Read - Offensive Player of the Week
Oct. 12 - Jordan George - Rookie of the Week
Oct. 26 - Chris McKelvie - Offensive Player of the Week
Oct. 26 - Brad Hunt - Defensive Player of the Week
Oct. 26 - Mathieu Dugas - Rookie of the Week
Nov. 2 - Dan Bakala - Defensive Player of the Week

--bsu--