BLAINE, Minn. - The Bethel University men's hockey team was defeated by the University of St. Thomas by a 6-2 final score on Saturday night in Bethel University Arena. The Tommies scored the first four and the last two goals of the game with the Royals scoring twice in between during a strong second period. 

The Royals came out firing early on in the first period but St. Thomas goaltender Ben Myers made several spectacular saves to keep the Royals off the board and UST scored three times in the first and once more early in the second period to build a 4-0 lead. Bethel started to gain some momentum in the second period as they scored twice to pull within 4-2 and had several other good opportunities, especially in the third period, but were unable to get anything else past Myers. The Royals held a 12-8 advantage in the third period on shots but the lone goal was a St. Thomas empty netter with 2:20 remaining.

Scoring the first goal for Bethel was Justin Bonanno at 2:51 in the second. Will Reedy and Kurtis Redding assisted. Jackson Purvis scored the Royals second goal at 7:45 in the second with assists to Dylan Webster and Riley Tilot. Joe Sheppard made 29 saves in net for Bethel.

The Royals will return to action next weekend against Hamline University with Friday's game scheduled for 7 p.m. in the brand new TRIA Rink at Treasure Island Center, located on the corner of 6th and Wabasha Street in downtown St. Paul. Saturday's 7 p.m. contest will be in Bethel University Arena at the National Sports Center in Blaine.