BOX SCORE

BLAINE, Minn. - Bethel University's men's hockey team picked up its first victory of the 2011-12 campaign with a win over conference foe Gustavus Adolphus. The Royals defeated the Gusties 3-2 Saturday night in Blaine, Minn. at Bethel Arena in the National Sports Center. BU overpowered GAC with three straight goals, leading 3-0 with 10:29 to play in the third period, and would diminish the Gustavus attempt to get back in the game as the Gusties rallied to score two late goals.

Jack Paul (Jr., Minnetonka, Minn.) scored his third goal of the season and first goal of the night from a Chris Fiala (Sr., Vadnais Heights, Minn.) pass to put the Royals ahead 1-0. Fiala would set up his second straight goal when Jon Crouse (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) recorded his first goal of the season for BU, to give the Royals a 2-0 lead. Jack Paul then scored one more time at the 9:31-mark in the third period when Mason Swenson (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) and Tyler Sorensn (Madison, Wis.) set up a game-winning goal for the junior from Minnetonka. Bethel allowed two late goals from there, but closed the door when need be and finished off Gustavus.

BU outshot GAC Saturday night, claiming the 26-24 advantage. Jack Paul was able to acquire two goals for the Royals, thanks in part to six shots fired on goal. Chaz Gerads (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) also fired three shots towards the Gustie net.

Dan Harper (So., Blaine, Minn.) received the start Saturday night and helped the Royals achieve victory with 22 total saves. Despite letting in two late goals in the third period Harper did record his best period in the third, saving 10 Gustavus shot attempts.

Bethel travels to Moorhead, Minn. this weekend to face Concordia College on both Friday night at 7 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. The Cobbers are looking for its first conference victory, as CC currently stands at 0-1-1 in MIAC play.