Virden’s Tyler Kirkup participated in a unique hockey game last weekend.
On Jan. 18, the freshman forward helped his Bemidji (Minn.) State University Beavers defeat Michigan Tech, 4-3, in overtime on an outdoor rink. The temporary rink was set up beside Lake Bemidji’s south shore.
“It was pretty cool for everyone involved, especially the players,” said Kary Kirkup, Tyler’s father, who was in attendance with his wife Suzanne. “The atmosphere was pretty unreal as it was packed.”
Temperatures dipped to a reported minus 15 Fahrenheit – minus 26.1 Celsius, according to the local newspaper. The Bemidji Pioneer stated it “will likely go down as one of the coldest games in NCAA Division I hockey history.” The cold temperatures didn’t stop 4,201 fans from attending.
Kary said close to the rink there was a huge heated tent for people to warm up in. In one area, he estimated there were 15 fires going with a huge projector screen so that people could watch the game and try to stay warm.
The next night, indoors, BSU won 3-0 to sweep the weekend series against Michigan Tech. Kirkup played in both of those contests and has cracked the lineup for 15 games this season. He has collected an assist.
