Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. – On senior night the Bethel University men's hockey team saw their slim playoff hopes officially dashed in a 6-2 loss to Saint John's University. The Johnnies scored four third period goals to break open a 2-2 tie and put themselves in position to contend for the MIAC title on the final day of the season Saturday. The MIAC's leading scoring tandem of freshman Mitch Hughes and Jack Paul scored (Hughes) and assisted (Paul) on both of the Royals goals.

The Johnnies came out of the locker room to start the third period on a mission as they scored twice within the first 1:29 to break the 2-2 tie. SJU added another goal at 10:42 and then a short-handed, empty-netter with 48 seconds remaining. The Johnnies moved into a tie for first place with St. Thomas at 19 points. Gustavus, Concordia and St. Olaf all are just one point behind with 18 as all five teams have an opportunity to win the MIAC regular season championship tomorrow night. Augsburg, Saint Mary's and Bethel were all eliminated from playoff contention Friday night.

Following a pre-game ceremony to honor the four Bethel seniors playing in their final home game at the Bethel University Arena, senior captain Jack Paul wasted little time knifing his way through the defense and putting a shot on goal. The puck bounced off the SJU goalie's pads and right to Hughes who flipped the puck into the top of the net to give the Royals a 1-0 lead just 49 seconds into the game. The game remained 1-0 until 10:46 into the second period SJU finally got on the board. They would take the lead two minutes later before Hughes and Paul teamed up again just 12 seconds later to knot the score back up at two all. Brock Raffaele also assisted on the play.

Senior's Corey Grandner, Dan Rowland and three time All-MIAC selections, Jon Crouse and Jack Paul all played their final games at the Bethel University Arena and will finish their careers as Royals tomorrow evening at the MAC in St. Cloud, Minn. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.