Box Score

MENOMONIE, Wis. – The Bethel University men's hockey team was able to jump out to a lead Friday night at the University of Wisconsin-Stout but were unable to make it hold up in a 4-2 loss. The Royals got on the board first when Eric Szafranski was able to put one home early in the second period. The Blue Devils went on to score a pair of goals in the remainder of the period to take a 2-1 lead. They then stretched the lead to 3-1 in the third period before the Royals were able to pull within one at 3-2 with just under two minutes remaining. Peter Barral scored for Bethel with an assist from Jackson Purvis to get the Royals in striking distance. The goal for Barral was the first of his collegiate career. Bethel then pulled goalie Jesse Garcia, who had a solid night in net making 45 saves, but UW-Stout was able to throw in an empty netter for the 4-2 final.

The loss drops Bethel to 0-2-1 to start off the season as they now head further east into Wisconsin to faceoff with the UW-Stevens Point Pointers. UWSP is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation and is 3-0, averaging seven goals scored per game. The puck will drop Saturday night in Stevens Point at 7 p.m.