BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team jumped out to a early lead for the fourth consecutive game on Saturday night but Saint John's University scored seven unanswered goals the rest of the way to claim the 7-1 win. George Splichal's goal from Mitch Hughes just 2:59 into the game gave the Royals the lead early on.  The score was the seventh on the season for Splichal, the second most on the squad behind only Travis Payne who had scored the Royals first goal in each of the last three games. After answering the Royals goal three minutes later to tie the game, SJU went on to score twice more in the first period and added four more in the third to sweep the MIAC series.

SJU held a 29-20 shot advantage and scored once on the power play in four opportunities. Bethel was unable to score on any of their seven power plays as the Johnnies were whistled for nine penalties.

The loss drops Bethel to 2-12-2 on the season and 1-7 in MIAC play. SJU improved to 8-9-2 and 6-4 as they moved into a tie for second place in the MIAC. The Royals will take on Hamline University next weekend.