BLAINE, Minn. - Despite giving up a goal in the second period, Bethel University received a gem from its goalie Dan Harper (So., Blaine, Minn.) in the 1-1 tie against St. Olaf College. The Oles held the 1-0 lead going into the third period, until Josh Shingler (So., Shawano, WIs.) and the BU offense evened the game with less than nine minutes to play in regulation. The Royals yielded 43 shot opportunities to SOC, but witnessed a Harper showcase in his 42-save performance

The Royals surrendered a number of shots early in the first half, but managed to overload the St. Olaf goaltender with a plethora of shots with eight minutes to go when playing five-on-three. Unfortunately BU was unable to muster a goal, despite its chances. After the first 20 minutes, sophomore goaltender Dan Harper  suppressed 11 Ole shots, opposed to the Royals' seven.

The second period was even more explosive, as shots increased along with tempers. Five minutes into the middle frame gave way to a St. Olaf goal, featuring a two-on-one shorthanded opportunity that bounced off Harper's right leg and put into the net on a rebounded wrist shot. Harper played a significant role throughout the entire period with an incredible glove save, along with a goal-free segment with ten minutes to play when the Oles were playing with the five-on-three advantage. The Royals were drastically out-shot 24-7 in period two while the two squads combined for 22 penalty minutes in the frame.

Looking mentally sharper and two decisions quicker, the Royals hit the ice in the third period thirsty to make amends for what took place in the second frame. Bethel rattled off nine third-period goals and capitalized on one when Josh Shingler composed the equalizer with less than nine minutes remaining that sent BU fans at Bethel University Arena crazy. For Shingler it was his first goal of the 2011-12 campaign, coming from fellow third-line comrades EJ Gann (San Jose, Calif.) and Garrett Windle (So., Downingtown, Pa.). Shingler's goal evened the game at one, which eventually sent the game into a five-minute overtime period.

In the overtime period Bethel managed three shots on the St. Olaf net, but still came up empty as the game ended with a 1-1 tie.

There was no question that Dan Harper was the star of tonight's contest with 42 saves for the Royals sprinkled throughout the four periods. Harper was a brick wall in front of the net, yet had an excellent core of defensive skaters that cleared the puck all night. On the offensive side of the rink Jack Paul (Jr., Minnetonka, Minn.) led Bethel with five shots, followed by Chris Fiala (Sr., Vadnais Heights, Minn.), who finished with four.

BU will travel to Northfield, Minn. Saturday to play the second of the two-day double-header. The puck is set to drop at 7:30 p.m.