BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team put up a valiant effort on Tuesday night against the UW-River Falls Falcons but in the end were just unable to come up with the score they needed in falling 3-2. In their final action of the first semester, the Royals had their opportunities, especially in the second period but several near misses and a lack of power play execution kept them just short. UWRF was able to jump out to an early 2-0 lead before Bethel started to chip away with a goal in the second period and again in the third. The Falcons power play goal within the first minute of the third period however proved to be the difference.

The Falcons first two goals in the first period came on a power play and shorthanded, which told the story of the night. UWRF was able to convert on two of their six power play opportunities while the Royals were just 1-9 while also allowing the Falcons shorthanded goal. UWRF outshot Bethel just 7-5 in the first period in taking the 2-0 lead but the Royals responded in the second period, outshooting the Falcons 14-7 and creating many great scoring opportunities. The Bethel goal came late in the second on the power play as Peter Barral was able to slide one in after a scrum in front of the net. Jeff Flicker assisted Barral.

Bethel continued to put the pressure on the Falcons as they looked to tie the game but were just unable to finish their opportunities while UWRF extended their lead just 44 seconds into the third period. The Falcons score made it 3-1, but Bethel pulled back within one midway through the third. Kurtis Redding scored at 11:28 with assists to Nick Eytcheson and Taylor Brown. Once again the Royals outshot the Falcons in the third period, 10-6, but were unable to get the game tying score, resulting in the 3-2 final. For the game Bethel outshot UWRF 29-20. Joe Sheppard made 17 saves in net for the Royals.

The game marked the final contest for the Royals in 2016 as they will head overseas to Germany and the Czech Republic from December 21-29. While there Bethel will play several games against local teams while touring the sights of Munich and Prague. The Royals return to MIAC action on January 6th and 7th when they take on No. 6-ranked Augsburg College.