MINNEAPOLIS – The Bethel University men's hockey team built an early 2-0 lead but saw Augsburg score five unanswered goals to take a 5-2 victory Saturday night. After the Royals built their lead to 2-0 through the first 21 minutes, the Auggies need just under three and a half minutes to score three goals and take over the lead for good. Two more third period goals, including one short-handed, sealed the Augsburg victory as the swept the opening MIAC series for both teams.

The Royals were able to score their first goal at 15:53 in the first period when Mitch Hughes found the back of the net. Brock Raffaele and Ty Walls assisted. Jackson Purvis scored Bethel's second goal six minutes into the second period with Dylan Webster getting the assist. Just 47 seconds later the Auggies onslaught began. Goals at 6:47, 7:56, and 10:04 in the second period for Augsburg left the Royals stunned. Neither team would score again until Augsburg added a short-handed goal 10:41 into the third before scoring their final goal at 13:54. In all the Auggies got off 55 shots to Bethel's 18. Matt Arnold made 50 saves for the Royals.

Bethel (2-2, 0-2 MIAC) will take on a pair of non-conference foes next weekend when they host Wisconsin-River Falls on Friday and travel to Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Saturday.