Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team found themselves once again on the wrong end of a hard fought, one goal game, as they fell 2-1 in overtime to Augsburg College. The Royals have seen all three of their losses come by a single goal along with a tie Friday night against the Auggies which saw Augsburg win the ensuing shootout. Saturday's game appeared to be headed to another shootout as neither team scored in the third period and it was much the same in the beginning of overtime but the Auggies were able to score the winner 2:12 into the extra period. The Auggies earned two points in the MIAC standings, as they did Friday with their shootout win, while Bethel earned a single point each game.

Following a scoreless first period which saw Augsburg dominate possession and put 13 shots on goal to just four for Bethel, the game was extremely even. The Royals were able to outshoot Augsburg 9-6 in the second period and both teams scored a single goal to make it 1-1. Sophomore transfer Travis Payne scored his first goal as a Bethel Royal midway through the second period to tie the game up. Jack McFarlane and Colin Mayer assisted on the goal for Bethel. The game would remain scoreless from there despite several good scoring chances for the Royals, including a pipe shot by Grant Dye on a Bethel power play. The Royals had four power play opportunities on the night while Augsburg had three and all seven went unsuccessful. Dan Harper was outstanding in the net for Bethel, making 28 saves, several in spectacular fashion to keep the Royals in it. For the game Bethel was outshot 30-22.

The Royals, despite not having a win on the year, were still able to pick up two points in the MIAC standings and are now 0-3-1 on the season. Bethel will have the weekend off from MIAC play next week as they travel to take on the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Friday night before returning home to host the defending national champion and current No. 1 ranked UW-Eau Claire Blugolds. Friday's game at River Falls will begin at 7:05 p.m. while Saturday's game at the Bethel University Arena will begin at 7 p.m.