Bethel University Athletic

General Information:

School: Bethel University
Founded: 1947
Location: St. Paul, MN
Enrollment: 6,300 (2,900 undergrad)
President: Jay Barnes
Athletic Director: Bob Bjorklund
Team Nickname: Royals
Colors: Navy Blue and Vegas Gold
Arena: Bethel University Arena at the National Sports Center
Capacity: 1,200

Coaching Staff:

2008-09 Record:

Overall record last year: 11-10-4
Conference record/finish: 10-5-3 / 3rd

Season Outlook:

Bethel’s women’s hockey team has earned a spot in the conference playoffs in three of the last four seasons, setting the bar for excellence higher each year. In 2008-09, the Royals showed they could skate with some of the best teams in the nation. Of the eight games that went into overtime last year, four of them were against nationally ranked opponents, including Bethel’s first-ever point in the MIAC standings against Gustauvs.

Much of the team’s success last season could be attributed to a strong senior class. Head Coach Charlie Burggraf said, “That group was a fun bunch to coach, and the success they had in their four years is a testament to how hard they worked and encouraged the younger players around them. But in college athletics, we can’t dwell on the past - we have to move on, and we’ve brought in some players who either are, or are going to be equally as talented.”

On offense, the Royals will use a mix of experienced upper classmen with some newcomers who have shown they are ready to play at the collegiate level in the first few weeks of practice. “We’re going to have to be smart on offense, make good passes, and really be assertive. There are some very good defenders and goalies in our conference and it’s going to take more than just a hard slap shot to get the puck past them,” said Burggraf.

Defensively, Bethel returns a veteran crew of defenders and adds some freshman to man the blue line. “I think if there’s any area we’re going to be pretty strong in, it’s defense,” said Burggraf. “We’re still relatively young at the blue line, but with the playing experience each of our defenders have, we’re going to make the other teams earn their shots.”

As for goaltenders, a number of players will compete for time between the pipes this season. “I liked what I saw from our goalies last season, and that was a big part of our success. This year, I have no doubt that we’ll be challenged, but [Assistant Coach] Mitch Baker does a great job with the goalies, and I believe they will answer the challenge when called upon to do so,” said Burggraf.

Overall, Burggraf is looking forward to developing his young team with the goal of making the conference playoffs for a third consecutive season. “We’ve got some good talent, and we’re definitely improving the quality of our depth at each position. The MIAC is a tough conference, and so the learning curve for some of our less experienced players is going to be steep, but with the leaders we have on the team, I think we’re going to have a lean, tight-knit group that will work hard and that will be fun to watch.”