BLAINE, Minn. – A multi-goal effort from sophomore forward
Tyler Braccini paced the Bethel University men's hockey team to a narrow 3-2 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils in their first game of the new year. With the non-conference win, the Royals move to 10-2-2 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Though the first period yielded no goals for either team, the Royals showed early signs of momentum, edging out the Blue Devils in shots, 13-8.
•
Sam Wilhite got the scoring going for the Royals less than two minutes into the second period, finishing a rebound on a shot from
Luke Posner and setting BU up, 1-0.
• Braccini built on the Royals' lead just a few minutes later, skating the puck from the BU defensive zone down the ice and slinging the puck past the UWS goaltender at 6:46.
• The Blue Devils fought back not long after, finding the back of the Royal net once at 9:52 and again at 15:59, sending the two teams into the third period tied at two.
• Braccini opened the third period with a bang, scoring just 24 seconds in to put the Royals on top once again.
• The Blue Devils proved desperate for a goal, outshooting the Royals 18-4 in the final period, but BU goaltender
Austin Ryman made many critical saves as part of a 34-save night.
• Bethel's special teams shined on the penalty kill going 3-for-3 while the power play unit failed to score on its only man advantage of the night late in the second.
UP NEXT
The Royals return to Rink 5 at the Blaine Super Rink tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. when they host their second WIAC team of the weekend, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
