The Bethel men's hockey team had an outstanding week against some tough out-of-conference opposition with a 1-0-1 record against foes from Wisconsin. Senior wing Travis Payne (Gaylord, Mich. / Sault Area) had a career weekend with six goals in the two games, including a hat trick and a game-winner and both goals in a 2-2 tie against a top 15-ranked team. For his performance, the MIAC sports information directors honored Payne Monday with the MIAC Men's Hockey Athlete-of-the-Week award.

Payne entered the weekend with four goals in 2015-16, but more than doubled his total with his starring performance. Friday, he scored twice to single-handedly help the Royals earn a hard-fought 2-2 tie against 13th-ranked UW-River Falls. Then, Saturday, he reached a hat trick by the end of the first period and finished with four goals, including the game-winner, in a 6-2 rout of UW-Superior. Payne was almost perfect, as his six goals came on just eight shots, and he was 4-for-4 against the Yellowjackets. This season, Payne is tied for fourth in the MIAC with 10 goals, and his 15 points are tied for 11th-most.

The 1-0-1 record helped Bethel improve its overall record to 2-10-2 this season. The Royals are currently 1-5 in conference play with three points in the MIAC standings. Payne and company will hope to carry this momentum over in their return to conference play, as the team will face Saint John's in a home-and-home MIAC series Thursday and Saturday. Thursday's game will be on SJU's home ice at the National Hockey Center at 7 p.m., and the Royals will host Saturday's rematch at the Schwan Super Rink, also at 7 p.m.