Box Score

MEQUON, Wis. – Three first period goals put the Bethel University men's hockey team in an early hole they were never able to get out of in a 4-2 loss at Concordia (Wis.) University. Brock Raffaele scored both Bethel goals, one in the second period and one in the third but it was too little, too late for the Royals. Concordia came out firing early, outshooting Bethel 22-2 in the big first period for the Falcons. Bethel held a one shot advantage in the second and third periods, but the damage had been done and CUW outshot the Royals 43-24 for the game. Four penalties and eight minutes in the penalty box for Bethel in the first period played a big part in Concordia's dominate first period. The Falcons scored two of their three first period goals, and their lone second period goal, on power plays. In all Bethel was called for 13 penalties while Concordia was whistled for 11.

Concordia scored their three first period goals at the 4:37, 10:43 and 15:46 marks. Bethel was able to get on the board 3:22 into the second period as Travis Payne hooked up with Raffaele. The Falcons tacked on another power play goal however, midway through the second to go up 4-1. Raffaele's second goal, his fourth in the last three games, did not come until inside of two minutes remaining the third period. Tyler Sorensen assisted on the Bethel goal.

Matt Rowe made his first appearance of the season in the net for Bethel. Rowe made a total of 39 saves, including 19 in the first period. Rowe's 19 first period saves where just three less than the number Concordia's goalie made in the entire game.
The win by Concordia gave them the first annual "Thanksgiving Cup" as the Falcons and Royals begin a tradition of playing the Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. Concordia will travel to Bethel in 2014-15. The loss drops Bethel to 0-8-2 on the season while Concordia improves to 3-4-3.

The Royals will square off with Hamline University next weekend in MIAC play. The Pipers are also currently winless on the year at 0-7-1. Friday's game will begin at 7 p.m. at Oscar Johnson Arena in St. Paul while Saturday will also be a 7 p.m. start at the Bethel University Arena at the National Sports Center in Blaine.