BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team opened the exhibition portion of its 2022-23 scheduled knocking off pervious unbeaten USA Hockey's National Team Development Program U-18 squad, 4-2.
 
The USA NDTP U18 squad entered the game 9-0 including five wins over Division I squads in Michigan State, Notre Dame, Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech and St. Thomas. Bethel's four goals was the most the Red, White and Blue had allowed this year, while the Royals held Team USA to a season-low two goals.
 
Coming off of only five days of practice, the Royals came out strong getting a goal from Ben Ward before USA equalized it at 1-1 before the first intermission.
 
The second period was an even skate as the Royals held strong on the penalty kill. Sam Wilhite would score the go-ahead goal as it was 2-1 after the second with the shots nearly even.
 
Netminder Travis Allen and the defensemen in front of him held strong while Allen collected 32 saves. Jack Brown and Michael Savelkoul each lit up the lamp in the third while USA added one goal.
 
The Royals will host Wisconsin-Stout on Saturday, Oct. 22 in one final preseason tune up. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.