ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team couldn't overcome an early four goal deficit dropping its MIAC opener at Saint John's, 8-2.

A goal by Jackson Hogg (Sam Wilhite, Jarrett Cammarata) got the Royals on the board with under three minutes to go before the first intermission. Out of the break, Bethel (1-3) came out strong with a flurry of shots before Josiah Roen lit up the lamp 2:16 in.

Hogg completed his first career multi-point performance picking up an assist on Roen's goal.

The Royals power play continued to struggle going 0-for-5 while forcing the Johnnies into 25 minutes of penalty time, which included a 5-minute major. SJU (3-1) on the other hand capitalized on all five of its man advantages.

Despite outshooting SJU 34-28 and winning 41 of the 66 faceoffs, BU surrendered another four unanswered to close things out.

Up next for the Royals will be a home-and-home series with St. Thomas beginning Wednesday in Mendonta Heights for a non-conference matchup. The two teams will meet at Bethel University Arena Saturday evening at 7 p.m. for a conference matchup.