BLAINE, Minn. – For the second straight night, the Bethel University men's hockey team lost by the same 5-2 score to the Saint Mary's University Cardinals. The Cardinals swept the series that saw both games follow the same scoring sequence. SMU scored first before Bethel drew even on a power play goal. The Cardinals then went up 3-1 before Bethel scored to get within one at 3-2. SMU then scored two goals in the last two minutes of the game, just as they did the night before, to make it 5-2. Mitch Hughes and Al Nejmeh scored the Royals goals. Three of Bethel's four goals scored against Saint Mary's on the weekend came on power plays.

Hughes score in the second period came on the power play as he took a pass from Jackson Purvis and used a good shield in front of the net, finding the hole to draw Bethel even at 1-1. Ty Walls also assisted on the score. Nejmeh was able to capitalize on a 2two-on-one break three minutes into the third period to give Bethel some energy. Tyler Peltram assisted Nejmeh. Bethel was unable to get another score however. Saint Mary's Martin Gruse scored the last four goals for the Cardinals, the last an empty netter with eight seconds left. Gruse now leads the MIAC in scoring at 24 points and goals with 14. For Bethel, Mitch Hughes is fourth in the MIAC in scoring at 17 points.

The shot total on the night was even at 33. Matt Rowe got the start in goal for Bethel and made 28 saves. Each team scored one power play goal with Bethel having five chances and Saint Mary's four.

The Royals will look to get in the win column next weekend when they square off with St. Olaf College (2-5-1 MIAC). Friday's game will be in Northfield, Minnesota and Saturday night they will take the ice at Bethel University Arena.