ST. PETER, Minn. – Two is the number of the night for the Bethel University men's hockey team. Off to its best start since the 1980s at 6-1-1, the Royals tallied a two goal third period forcing overtime with Gustavus Adolphus where the teams skated to a 2-2 tie.
 
Bethel took the extra point for the MIAC standings in the shootout where netminder Ridge Gerads stopped all three Gustavus attempts.
 
The Gusties took a 2-0 lead scoring a goal in each the first and second period.
 
Not connecting on its first three power plays through the first 40 minutes, Bethel's third period comeback efforts began with a power play goal from Jarrett Cammarata. Luke Posner and Brian Smith each set up Camarata's second man advantage goal of the year.
 
Dane Stoyanoff evened it up at 2-2 scoring at the 14:28 mark getting assists from Sam Wilhite and Braeden Bartoo.
 
Bethel's penalty kill showed why it ranks in the top three nationally. The Royals killed off two penalties in the third that spanned throughout the final four minutes and five seconds into the overtime. That was also large in part to a handful of tremendous saves from Gerads who finished the night with 18 saves.  
 
Neither team could put one in the back of the net in overtime, each earning at least one point in the MIAC standings. Jack Bayless made Bethel's first and only shootout attempt before Gerads earned BU the extra point up for grabs.
 
The Royals return to the ice Tuesday night for the backend of a MIAC series with Saint John's at Bethel University Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.