Box Score

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Those that dared to enter the Hobbs Ice Center on Halloween night could see as many as 12 people on the ice wearing hockey masks at any given time. No, it was not a production of  "Friday the 13th On Ice," rather, it was the beginning of the women's hockey season for both the Bethel Royals and the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds. While it was far from a house of horrors, the Royals came up on the short end of a 3-1 decision.

Although there was no slashing tonight - mostly just hooking and tripping -  it was as though the Royals had gone trick or treating through a neighborhood where the residents only gave out organic broccoli and cauliflower. The sweets of tonight's game were somewhat few, save for a power play goal by Bethel's all-time leading scorer, Bethany Murphy-Aultman (Sr., Grand Rapids, Minn.) at the 9:11 mark of the third period. The assist went to All-MIAC forward Sandra Felten (Sr., Cashton, Wis.) and newcomer Mikaela Mahoney (Fr., Buffalo, Minn.), which helped the Royals cut a then 2-0 UW-Eau Claire lead in half.

The Blugolds came charging back, and with less than two minutes remaining, they added an insurance goal to put the game on ice.

All-MIAC goalie Beth Spurrier (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) recorded 19 saves on the night, while her counterpart, Danika Porter, recorded 23.

Bethel had several power play opportunities during the game, but was only able to capitalize on the one. Meanwhile, the Royals played very disciplined hockey, giving the Blugolds only one power play opportunity the whole game.

With the loss, Bethel begins their season 0-1 overall, while UW-Eau Claire begins at 1-0. The Royals are scheduled to return home and open up play tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. against Adrian College at Bethel University Arena in Blaine, Minn.