BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University men's hockey team played on their home ice at Bethel University Arena for the first time this year and the start was not what they were looking for as No. 4-ranked Augsburg University jumped out to a 5-0 lead early on before Bethel fought back but it was not enough in the 7-4 loss. Augsburg scored three goals in the first ten minutes and added another late in the first period for a 4-0 lead after one. The Auggies scored the first goal in the second period also before Bethel scored four of the next five goals over the course of the second and third periods. The Royals drew within 6-4 but a late 5-on-3 power play for Augsburg ended the Royals momentum and comeback hopes as the Auggies tacked on another goal to make the 7-4 final.

Three of the Royals four goals came on the power play. Down 5-0, Johan Kling scored first bringing the Bethel crowd to life and giving the Royals some energy. Jackson Purvis and Tyler Mros assisted Kling on his score from the point. Purvis and Mros then assisted Michael Piehler at 16:18 in the second period for the Royals second score. The Auggies scored with under a minute remaining in the second period to bump their lead up to 6-2. The Royals continued their strong play into the third period however as they scored twice midway through to draw within two goals at 10:47 in the third. Peter Barral scored the first on a power play with as assist from Piehler. Piehler then scored Bethel's next goal with assists from Purvis and Barral. Bethel had clearly swung the momentum of the game in their favor but holding and hooking penalties on Bethel with four and three minutes remaining in the game effectively stopped the Royals comeback. Augsburg was able to capitalize on their 5-on-3 with their seventh and final score with 2:10 remaining in the game. The Auggies outshot Bethel just 39-30 in the game and Aaron Furlano made 22 saves in net during the second and third periods after replacing starter Joe Sheppard.

The Auggies improved to 5-0 on the season and 1-0 in the MIAC while Bethel falls to 0-6 and 0-2. The Royals will now travel to Minneapolis for Saturday nights 7 p.m. contest at Augsburg.