Hockey Day 2019: Five things to know about Bemidji

In just a few short days, the city of Bemidji will be placed in the statewide spotlight for
Hockey Day Minnesota 2019
presented by Wells Fargo. In preparation for this year's celebration, here are five things to know about this town of more than 15,000.

1. The history
The first documented Bemidji-area residents were Native Americans who settled in Northern Minnesota following the retreat of ancient glaciers about 10,000 years ago. Late in the 1600s, the Dakota, known today as a plains tribe, called present-day Bemidji home. By the 1700s, the Ojibwe had pushed the Dakota further east and south.
The fur trade drew European settlers and reigned through the mid-to-late 1800s when timber took dominance in the region. This led lumber barons Thomas Barlow Walker, John S. and Charles Pillsbury to invest millions in local timber claims from 1874-1897. In 1903, Crookston Lumber Company leaders Thomas Shevlin and Elbert Carpenter opened historic Crookston Sawmill No. 1; seven years later, the sawmill was the second-largest in the nation. Lumber production remains a key piece of commerce in Bemidji today.
The city's famous, 18-foot Paul Bunyan statue has become a tourist bucket list item. It is said it took over 737 man-hours to create the beloved representation of the American folklore legend, allegedly born in Bemidji, and his sidekick Babe the Blue Ox.
Hockey Day Minnesota 2019
2. The geography
Originating from the Ojibwe word "bemijigamaag" which means "lake with crossing waters," Lake Bemidji sits right in the city's backyard. With 6,765 acres of fresh water, Bemidji residents can enjoy various activities on the lake year-round. Bemidji is said to be 14.14 square miles, which can be broken down to 12.92 square miles of land and 1.22 square miles of water. Featuring hiking in warmer months to skiing in the winter, the town is home to 14,000 miles of some of the best-groomed trails in Minnesota.
3. Hockey
A rich State of Hockey tradition will be on display this weekend at Hockey Day Minnesota. The Bemidji High School boys hockey team has made six state tournament appearances, with the most recent coming in 2015. Several Lumberjack players have gone on to play at Bemidji State, including former NHLer and local Bemidji resident Gary Sargent (1972-73).
Both the Bemidji State men's and women's teams play in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Dating back to 1947, the Bemidji men's squad has a long list of postseason play on its resume including 28 national tournament appearances -- at the NAIA and NCAA Division I, III and III levels -- and a 1,085-610-131 overall record. Most recently, the Beavers made it to the semifinal round of the NCAA Frozen Four in 2009. Tom Serratore is in his 18th season on the Beaver bench, compiling a 282-270-78 record heading into the 2018-19 season. The Beavers are set to face off against Michigan Tech on Friday night in the first-ever men's collegiate outdoor Hockey Day game.
Fairly new to the college hockey landscape, the Bemidji State women's team played its first season in 1998. In 2015, the Beavers made history by advancing to their first WCHA Final Faceoff championship game. That same season, Bemidji State registered its most wins in program history (21). Last season, the Beavers advanced to their second WCHA Final Faceoff. Jim Scanlan is currently in his fifth season and held a 71-67-10 heading into the 2018-19 season.
4. Entertainment
Things to do in Bemidji are never in short supply. From local events like the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival, Winterfest on Lake Bemidji and Bemidji Day at the Capitol, residents have plenty of activities to fill their calendars year-round. Bemidji also offers numerous types of live music, theater, fine arts and Native American traditions. Whether visitors are in the mood for typical American dishes or looking to expand their taste buds, Bemidji offers plenty of unique dining options from local restaurants. Shoppers have two major discount retailers, three supermarkets, a co-op grocery and a small mall downtown to peruse.
5. Hockey Day 2019
Last January at Hockey Day in St. Cloud, it was announced Bemidji would host the 13th annual event. This weekend, thousands from across Minnesota will have their eyes on Bemidji -- either in person or on FOX Sports North -- to celebrate the State of Hockey. It'll be Hockey Day's first three-day schedule, featuring nine Minnesota teams, four college games, three high school contests starting Thursday when the Bemidji girls team hosts Woodbury. The day culminates Saturday at 8 p.m. when the Wild hosts Columbus at Xcel Energy Center.
Related:
- Sargent enjoys retirement in Bemidji, where it all began - For Serratore brothers, every day is Hockey Day