Box Score BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team saw their playoff aspirations severely damaged by an onslaught of Augsburg College scoring in a 9-4 loss at the Bethel University Arena. The Auggies scored early and often throughout the contest, never letting the Royals get within more than two goals in the final two periods. A trio of Royals scored their first collegiate goals as
Josh Freitas,
Tony Larson and
Ryan Townsend scored after Garret Windle scored Bethel's first goal and his eighth of the season. For the first time in 11 games
Mitch Hughes did not register a point for Bethel despite several close calls in front of the net.
Augsburg's first two goals were scored eight seconds apart just over eight minutes into the game before Windle brought the Royals within one four minutes later. Augsburg responded with two more goals, just a minute and a half apart before the end of the first period. Freitas scored his goal four minutes into the second period to draw the Royals within 4-2.
Grant Dye assisted on the play. Four minutes later Augsburg tallied again before
Tony Larson scored his first goal on a power play with the assists to
Jon Crouse and
Jack Paul. The two goal deficit was as close as the Royals would get as Augsburg added another pair of quick goals five minutes later to head into the third period with a 7-3 lead.
Ryan Townsend scored shorthanded early in the third period for the Royals but in an all too familiar scene the Auggies added two more unanswered tallies, the last with just four seconds remaining in the game for the final 9-4 score.
The Auggies scored on two of their three power play opportunities while Bethel was 1-4 on their power play, consistent with their league leading 25% success rate. Augsburg was whistled for seven penalties and the Royals for five. Augsburg needed just 24 shots to record their nine goals.
The Royals and Auggies are now even with 12 points a piece, tied for seventh place in the MIAC standings but just two points out of fourth. Bethel stands 6-7 in MIAC play and 7-15 overall while Augsburg improved to 5-6-2 and 7-12-3 overall. The two teams will square off again Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Ed Saugestad Rink.
