Box Score Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. – (Courtesy of Matt Higgins, MIAC) - Much like the game that preceded it, the two teams battled in a one-goal game into the final period, but the Royals also benefitted from a scoring spree in the final period to turn a closely-contested game into a comfortable win. Jack Paul, Tyler Swanson and Brock Raffaele each had a two-point night and Dan Harper earned the shutout win in goal in the 3-0 Bethel victory.
 
The Royals put up a significant number of shots early - 19 over the first two period - until they finally broke through with a goal 4:14 into the second period. Garrett Windle notched the eventual game-winner on assists from Josh Shingler and Corey Grandner. Bethel took advantage of two power plays in the final period to pull away, with Paul scoring 14:20 into the period with assists going to Raffaele and Swanson, and Swanson scored the final goal with Paul and Raffaele collecting assists.
 
Harper stopped all 22 Johnnie shots he faced - including several late in the second period as SJU nearly turned a power play into a 1-1 tie on more than one occasion - to score the shutout victory. J.D. Wells made 26 saves in the loss, as Bethel outshot SJU 29-22. Jascha Pettit led Saint John's with five shots in the loss.
 
Royals coach Charlie Burggraf gave his assessment of the season opening victory:
“I'm happy with the effort of a very young team. Harper was solid and our defensive play stymied a very good Saint John's team. We have a number of things to work on and improve but it is early.”
 
The Royals will take on Saint Mary's at 5 p.m. Saturday to wrap up their action in the MIAC Hockey Showcase.

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