RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The Bethel University men's hockey team dropped a close 2-1 battle with the University of Wisconsin River Falls Saturday evening to wrap up the non-conference portion of its 2018-19 schedule.

After the teams skated to a scoreless first that saw the shots on goal even at 9-9, UWRF opened up the second period scoring 21 seconds in. The Falcons won the opening faceoff before Eddie Matshshima quickly sent a shot past Ridge Gerads who made his Bethel debut in net. UWRF took advantage of the power play midway through the second with Joe Drapluk scoring making it 2-0.

Junior forward Adam Marty scored his second goal of the weekend 16:27 into the second period. Putting in his own rebound, the Royals pulled within one headed into the final period.

The third was not kind as BU fired off 14 shots, 5 of which were on goal, but to no avail in finding the back of the net

Gerads picked up 25 saves on the night for a .926 save percentage as the Royals were outshot 28-19.

UW-Superior 3, Bethel 1
Bethel could not recover from allowing two first period goals Friday night at University of Wisconsin-Superior. It took some time for both teams to get their skates underneath them before U-WS broke through on the scoreboard 14:24 into the first.

With 15 seconds left in the first, Bethel went to the power play before allowing a shorthanded goal just before time expired.

In the second, the Royals took only four shots on goal as the top line found the back of the net at the 16:53 mark. Starting left winger Adam Marty scored his second of the season with an assist from line mate Jay Paul to make it 2-1.

The Yellowjackets put their lead back at 3-1 scoring at 18:41 left in the second.

Both teams skated to a scoreless third where the Royals outshot Superior 14-8 in shots on goal. BU outshot the Yellowjackets 53-48 in the game and 34-25 in shots on goal.