Box Score
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team improved to 4-1 in conference play after a 4-2 win over Hamline University Friday night. The Royals were led by junior forward
Garrett Windle who had a pair of goals and an assist. Windle was making his return to the ice for the first time since being injured on a check from behind in the Royals second game of the season against Saint Mary's. Both of Windle's goals came on Bethel power plays as the Royals had six power play opportunities.
“It was a good win and good to get the two points,” Royals coach
Charlie Burggraf said. “We did have a lot of chances we didn't convert, and so did they. There were some solid things in the game but also things to work on, as always.”
The Royals came out and established their presence early on as the more physical team. At the 11:56 mark in the first period
Colin Mayer got the Royals on the board after putting a rebound off a
Jack Paul shot in the net. Windle also assisted on the play. Hamline had an opportunity to tie the game up with a 5-3 advantage after a pair of Royals penalties, including a five minute major gave the Pipers a great chance. A shot off the pipe followed by a slashing penalty and then an elbowing penalty against Hamline ended their advantage, however. With just 43 seconds left in the first period
Mitch Hughes scored his first collegiate goal after taking a perfect cross from
Jon Crouse and firing a slap shot into the net. It was the first assist of the year for Crouse and
Tony Larson also assisted on the play.
Windle's first goal, and second of the season, came nearly eight minutes into the second period to give the Royals a 3-0 lead. Mayer and Paul assisted on the play. Paul has scored five points in the last three games. Hamline was able to get their first goal near the end of the second period when Tyler Johnson got a shot past Bethel goaltender
Dan Harper. Harper was able to stop 20 shots by the Pipers to improve his record to 4-2, including a 3-0 mark in MIAC play.
The third period saw the Royals push their lead to 4-1 on Windle's second power play goal with assists from Crouse and Mayer. Windle's third goal upped his point total to four in just three games played this season.
“Garrett had a month off and really worked hard to get back,” coach Burggraf said. “He had a lot of opportunities tonight and we are excited for him. It was good to have him back.”
The Pipers were able to score a power play goal with less than a minute remaining in the contest for the 4-2 final. The Pipers fell to 0-9-2 on the season.
The two teams will face off Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Vadnais Heights, Minn. The Royals will be looking for their second MIAC series sweep before taking over a month off from conference play.
