Box Score Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. - Courtesy Matt Higgins, MIAC - Bethel looked great Friday night, beating Saint John's 3-0 to open its season in style. But Saint Mary's put on the most impressive offensive display of the Showcase thus far to start with a big win, and even the Royals' record at 1-1. The Cardinals scored three times in each of the first two periods, led by Bob Marx and his three-point effort, to score a 7-2 victory in Saturday's second game.

Marx and Nick Gualano set up Kevin Wentland for the Cardinals first goal with 9:16 left in the first period, and it turned out SMU was just getting started. Jed McGlasson put Saint Mary's up 2-0 less than two minutes later with Mike Hill assisting, and the Cardinals were even able to score down a man, as Scott Deur got a shorthanded goal with Brad Fusaro assisting with 4:51 left in the first.

SMU got a power play early in the second, and Marx cashed in with the first of two goals at 16:16; Joey Van Antwerp got the assist. Bobby Thompson made it 5-0 Saint Mary's with an unassisted goal at 11:15, and Marx scored again with Thompson and Nick Nagel assisting with 4:35 left in the second. Austin Balko added an unassisted goal early in the final period to close the Cardinals offensive exposition with a 7-0 lead.

Bethel got some scoring going in the final period  to avoid being shut out. Brock Raffaele scored the Royals' first goal with 14:11 left with assists from Tony Larson and Colin Mayer. Eric Szafranski gave Bethel one more score with just 26 left in the game with Jimmie Perkins and Josh Shingler assisting to make the final score 7-2.

Andy Schieb made 25 saves in his season debut for Saint Mary's, allowing two goals and earning the win. Dan Harper made 29 saves in the net for Bethel, allowing seven goals and facing 36 shots.

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