BLAINE, Minn. - The men's hockey team opened the 2011-12 season strong Friday night against Augsburg College, but fell just short in a 3-2 battle. BU had the 2-1 advantage in its first competition of the MIAC Showcase, however, two goals late in the second period gave the Auggies the opening day victory.

Bethel surrendered an early goal to Augsburg as David Hines fired a shot past Royal goalie Dan Harper (So., Blaine, Minn.) seven minutes into the opening period. BU struck back immediately in the second period as Mason Swenson (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) tallied the equalizer from Jon Crouse (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) and Grant Dye (Fr., Anchorage, Alaska). In a matter of ten seconds the Royals posted its second goal on the night as Jack Paul (Jr., Minnetonka, Minn.) delivered his first goal of the season, giving BU the 2-1 lead.

Augsburg closed out the second period with two goals of its own, as Ben McClellan took advantage of an Auggie power play and Trevor Doden recorded the game-winning goal.

Play between the two remained scoreless throughout the entire third period as Augsburg held on, handing the Royals its first loss of the season.

Bethel was lead by Jake Kogler (Sr., Forest Lake, Minn.) who tallied four shots on the evening. A host of other BU players fired two shots each. Dan Harper was solid in the net, defusing 29 shots from the opposing Auggies. The final goal by Doden gave Harper the loss in the net.

The Royals look to right the ship tonight in day two of the MIAC showcase against Hamline. Bethel takes on the Pipers at 4 p.m.