SAINT PETER, Minn. – Bethel University's men's hockey team fell short in the MIAC opener Friday night against Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minn. as the Gusties handed the Royals a 4-1 defeat. BU tallied the first goal of the game but Gustavus proved to be too much, recording four unanswered goals.

At nearly the ten-minute mark in the opening period Garrett Windle (So., Downington, Pa.) managed to put the puck in the back of the net for the Royals. The forward's first goal was assisted by captain Austin Hatch (Sr., Cloquet, Minn.), who tallied his first assist of the 2011-12 campaign.

Gustavus took over from there with the answer in two minutes later, followed by an additional goal in the second, alongside two more in the third. Jack Walsh delivered the first goal of the night for GAC and he would later go on to assist the next two goals. Sam Smith tallied the Gusties second goal, only to be followed by Ryan Johnson and Andy Pearson's goal in the third. Pearson's goal against BU came on a power play in favor of Gustavus Adolphus.

The Royals mustered 22 shots against the Gustie defense. Jake Kogler (Sr., Forest Lake, Minn.) manufactured four shots himself, along with Jack Paul (Jr., Minnetonka, Minn.) and Chris Fiala (Sr., Vadnais Heights, Minn.), who each had three.

Robby Brown (Fr., Battleboro, Vt.) received the start for BU tonight, allowing four goals throughout the three periods. Brown managed 28 saves throughout the entire competition.

The Royals hope to seek revenge Saturday night against the Gusties at home, while at the same time tallying its first victory of the season. The opening face-off is set for 7 p.m. at Royal Arena at the National Sports Arena in Blaine, Minn. Live stats and video will be available here.