MINNEAPOLIS - The Bethel University men's hockey team returned to the ice for the first time in 41 days after the semester break and despite two early goals, where unable to come out on top as Augsburg College took a 5-2 victory over the Royals. Bethel's power play did not show any rust in the early going after the long break as they scored a pair of power play goals within the first five minutes of the game. Unfortunately for Bethel, Augsburg scored twice as well during the first period and added two more scores in the second and one final tally in the third while shutting Bethel out the rest of the way.

The Auggies scored the games first goal, just 1:10 into the game. Bethel responded 19 seconds later, however. After a slashing call on Augsburg, George Splichal tied the game up with assists to Tony Larson and Mitch Hughes. Just two minutes later the Royals went on another power play and this time Mitch Hughes capitalized with Jackson Purvis and Larson assisting at 4:04 in the first period. The Auggies were able to respond with their own power play goal at 13:02 in the period to tie the game back up at 2-2. Augsburg took the lead back at 6:26 in the second period. The Royals power play offense was slowed as they had four more opportunities throughout the final two periods but they came up empty on their eight shots, while also allowing a short-handed goal to make the score 4-2 Auggies. The games final goal was scored at 14:11 by Augsburg to create the 5-2 final score.

Augsburg was 1-for-1 on the power play while Bethel was 2-for-6. Augsburg outshot Bethel 37-28 with Jesse Garcia making 32 saves for Bethel. The win improved Augsburg to 8-4 overall and 4-1 in MIAC play while Bethel dropped to 1-9-1 and 1-4 in the MIAC. The two teams faceoff again Saturday night at 7 p.m. in Bethel University Arena.