BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team jumped out to a 5-1 lead early in the third period but was unable to get a win as four goals in the last 18 minutes by the Hamline University Pipers sent the game into overtime and eventually led to a shootout. The Pipers scored on their third try in the shootout to take a 1-0 win and the two points in the standings. Bethel receives just one point, their first in five MIAC games.

The Royals scored twice in the last five minutes of the first period to take the 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Eric Szafranski scored off Mitch Hughes and Brock Raffaele assists followed by Hughes from JT Walters and Travis Payne. Hamline scored an unassisted goal off a turnover 34 seconds into the second period. Brock Raffaele then made a sensational play, weaving through the Pipers defense and finishing beautifully, extending the lead back to two goals at 3-1. Hughes scored again at 11:25 in the second with assists from Taylor Brown and Travis Payne to make it 4-1 after two periods. The Royals appeared to be in firm control and feeling good when TJ Christiansen scored just 1:44 into the third period to make it 5-1. Hamline got one back quickly, however, at 2:21. The Pipers scored again on a power play at 5:37 to pull within two and really create some momentum. Their next score came at 14:43 to get within one and the equalizer came with just two and a half minutes remaining. The Royals very nearly pulled out the win when Mitch Hughes fired a shot with just a few seconds left that was deflected at the last second by the Pipers goalie and sent out in front of the net. The Royals were unable to put away the rebound and regulation ended.

Neither team scored in the overtime despite several chances and the game headed to a shootout. Hamline's Kevin Novakovich started things off and appeared to have Bethel's goalie beat but came up empty on his shot attempt. Brock Raffaele tried to shoot one through the goalie's pads but was denied in Bethel's first attempt. Brandon Zurn from Hamline tried the same thing and was stuffed by Rowe. Travis Payne had his shot knocked away by the pad of Hamline goalie Erick Majerle, who came in just for the shootout. Hamline's Mitch Hall then got one in the top corner above the glove of Rowe and Eric Szafranski's final attempt was wide, giving the Pipers the 1-0 decision.

The Royals and Pipers will finish their series Saturday night at Oscar Johnson Arena in St. Paul at 7 p.m. Bethel is looking to snap their now nine game winless streak while Hamline has tied all three of their MIAC games, going 1-2 in shootouts.