Division 1 women's hockey returns Saturday to Roseau, when the University of North Dakota will square off against Bemidji State in a WCHA showdown.

The college teams are heading to Roseau as part of an event aimed to promote women's hockey in northern Minnesota, said Roseau coach Brian Bergstrom.

The Roseau team will kick off the day at noon at the Rams Sports Center with junior varsity action. A varsity showdown will follow at 2 p.m. when Roseau takes on Duluth Northern Stars.

The puck will drop for the main event at 7:07 p.m., when the Beavers (10-7-3) will face the No. 8 Fighting Sioux (10-7-3).

Bergstrom and Roseau assistant coach Jeff Olson worked with the head coaches at both UND and Bemidji to organize the event. In the end, North Dakota opted to give up a game at its home arena to play Saturday's contest in Roseau.

"It just shows the support they have for girls hockey in northern Minnesota," Bergstrom said. "It's been outstanding."

Both the Fighting Sioux and Beavers squads feature talent from northern Minnesota. North Dakota's Mary Loken is a graduate of Roseau, while Bemidji's Erika and Marlee Wheelhouse are graduates of Crookston.

Bergstrom said both teams will be available after the game. Roseau senior Abby Ness, member of the Team USA U-18 U.S. Women's Select Team, also will be on hand to sign autographs.

Roseau hosted a similar event several years ago that drew large crowds, and Bergstrom is hoping to draw upon that success.

"We want as many people there as possible," he said. "Boys, girls, whatever."

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the UND-Bemidji game. Tickets are available at the door – adults: $5, students: $2 – with students who wear team jerseys getting in for free.