FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Despite finding the equalizer with 16 seconds left in regulation, the Bethel men's hockey team dropped its regular season opener at Marian, 2–1, in overtime.
How It Happened:
• The Royals put on a dominant show in the first period, outshooting the Sabres 15-7 with nine of those shots on net. Still, they couldn't find the back of the Sabre net to earn the edge.
• The second period saw a continuation of the first period's deadlock as both teams grappled for the lead. The Sabres came out harder, tying the Royals in shots on net, 9-9.
• The increased momentum from the second period converted to a Sabre goal in the opening moments of the third period as they found the back of the Royals' net at 1:33.
• With just a minute left in the game, the Royals opted to pull goaltender
Austin Ryman to add another skater to the mix, and at the same time, a Sabre penalty gave them a power-play opportunity.
• The six-on-four advantage finally gave the Royals the manpower they needed to find the back of the Sabres' net. With just 16 seconds left in the third period, a
Tyler Kostelecky-
Joe Westlund connection yielded the first Royal goal of the season and sent the teams into overtime.
• But the end-of-game rally by the Royals proved not enough to secure an overtime victory as the Sabres were the first to score in the overtime period, ending the matchup in a 2-1 Royal loss.
What's Next:
The Royals extend their stay in Wisconsin but head to De Pere to take on No. 5-ranked St. Norbert tomorrow afternoon. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.
