Box Score

BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team found their offense and the win column in a 4-3 victory over Finlandia University Saturday night. The Royals jumped out to a commanding 4-1 lead but two late goals by the Lions after pulling their goalie made things tense in the final seconds. Mitch Hughes, Travis Payne, Brock Raffaele and Andrew Bjorklund scored the Royals goals while Steven Bolton made 27 saves.

The Lions took an early lead converting a two-on-one break into a goal 6:27 into the first period. Their lead would hold up until Mitch Hughes broke through for Bethel with a power play goal 5:36 into the second period. Travis Payne and Jack McFarlane assisted Hughes on his first goal since November 8th against Augsburg. Six minutes later Brock Raffaele put the Royals ahead for good with a nifty goal at 18:16. Tony Larson assisted Raffaele. The Royals extended their lead five minutes the third period when freshman Andrew Bjorklund scored his first collegiate goal. The Mounds View High School product was assisted by Josh Freitas and Tyler Swanson. The Royals appeared to be in firm control but the Lions, using a one skater advantage after pulling their goalie, scored with 2:02 and 43 seconds to make the final score much closer.

The Royals improved to 2-10-2 with the win while Finlandia dropped to 1-12-1. Bethel will host Saint Mary's University next Friday night as they return to MIAC play.