BLAINE, Minn. – Late heroics by freshman forward Nick Ketola earned the Bethel University men's hockey team the extra conference point after skating to a 2-2 tie with the University of St. Thomas.

With just under a minute remaining in the 3-on-3 overtime it seemed as if both teams were destined for a shootout. That's when Ketola stepped up for the Royals firing BU's only shot in the second overtime period. With 43.8 seconds remaining the red lights lit up as Ketola's shot slipped right past UST goalie Cam Buggrabe earning Bethel two points in the standings.

Bethel (1-15-2, 1-6-2 MIAC) made the most of the third period as freshman forward Curtis Hansen scored his fourth of the year to tie things at 2-2. Hansen put in a rebound following a shot from Langworth who picked up the assist.

In the first five minute overtime fatigued set in as the Tommies outshot Bethel 5-2. But the wall between the pipes in newcomer Ridge Gerads gave Bethel the chance they needed after 65 minutes of skating. Gerads, making his second appearance in a Royal uniform, collected 35 saves and did not allow a goal after the 7:25 mark in the first period.

It didn't take long for the scoring to get rolling in the Friday night's conference matchup. The visiting Tommies scored 56 seconds into the contest to take an early 1-0 lead. BU responded right back five minutes later as freshman forward Austin Langworthy scored his second of the season tying things up at one apiece. Sophomore defenseman Riley Tilot picked up his first assist of the season on the goal.

St. Thomas (9-4-3, 3-1-3 MIAC) took advantage of their only power play in the first to extend their lead to 2-1 with a goal from Brett Gravelle.

The Royals continued to beat the Tommies to the puck in the second. BU outshot UST 10-6 with four of those opportunities coming in the final minute of play.  

After serving a penalty midway through the first, the Royals stayed clear of the penalty box the rest of the night. St. Thomas outshot Bethel 37-30.