Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. - In the midst of a playoff hunt, the Bethel Royals men's hockey team took on the St. Thomas Tommies at the Bethel University Hockey Arena. The Royals entered tonight's match-up with a 7-6 conference record, a mere two points behind the Tommies who currently are third in the MIAC standings. After last night's offensive battle that saw the Royals fall 7-5 at the hands of the Tommies, Bethel needed a big win to keep pace in the standings. Once again the St. Thomas offense was on hand for the game as they bested the Royals 4-1.

St. Thomas controlled the play early as they struck the net first with a goal midway through the first period. Their second goal of the game came in the latter minutes of the first as Alex Arnason struck a blow against Bethel to make the score 2-0 Tommies going into the locker room.

The two goal lead wouldn't last long as Bethel's Jon Crouse (Fr., Alexandria, Minn.) notched the Royals first tally only 51 seconds into the second period, aided by Christian Fogerty (Jr., Forest Lake, Minn.). Upon fighting off a penalty, the Royals couldn't contain the Tommies any longer as they would extend their lead again with a goal from Travis Baker. With momentum on their side, St. Thomas would add another goal in the second to take a 4-1 lead into the third.

With penalties galore in the third for the Royals, the Bethel offense couldn't get anything going and ultimately fell to the St. Thomas 4-1. Bethel could only muster six shots in the third period, but saved all twelve shots from St. Thomas. Unfortunately, the effort was for not as the Royals couldn't gain any ground on the Tommies.

Following the loss, the Royals now move to 7-7 in the MIAC with an overall record of 9-14. Bethel will wrap up regular season play next weekend when they take on Augsburg College on Friday and Saturday night.