BEMIDJI – College hockey has certainly changed since Kirklan Irey committed to Bemidji State.

On Sept. 20, 2018, the native of Bismarck, North Dakota, declared his commitment to the Beavers. Since then, the transfer portal was introduced, student-athletes gained Name, Image and Likeness opportunities and Canadian Hockey League players became eligible to play in the NCAA.

Yet, amid the turning tides, players like Irey have proven to be a model of consistency in the new era of collegiate athletics, which is why he was named BSU’s captain for the 2025-26 season.

“It’s an incredible honor,” Irey said. “We’ve had great captains since I’ve been here. I got to see a lot of great captains before me. I just want to lead the charge the way they did. It’s cool to see what those guys did here in th

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