BLAINE, Minn. – Bethel University opened MIAC play with a strong 4–1 win over Hamline on Friday night at the National Sports Center, getting four goals and a steady 28-save performance from senior goaltender
Austin Ryman.
The Royals struck early, capitalizing on their first power play of the night when senior forward Jack Brown scored at 2:17 of the first period. Brown finished a quick puck movement sequence started by sophomore forward Connor Brazil at the blue line and senior forward Tyler Braccini along the left boards. Bethel controlled much of the opening frame, outshooting Hamline 14–6.
Junior forward Jeremiah Konkel made it 2–0 just 3:23 into the second period, jumping on a turnover and scoring unassisted for his first goal of the season. Hamline responded at 11:39 on a power play, with AJ Carls scoring off assists from Kyle Mortenson and Tristen May-Robinson.
Bethel wasted little time regaining momentum. Just 72 seconds later, Brown tallied his second of the night at 12:51, finishing a feed from Braccini with freshman winger Ethan Hull grabbing the secondary assist. The sophomore's even-strength marker restored Bethel's two-goal lead entering the third period.
The Royals added insurance early in the final frame when freshman forward Peyton Blair scored at 4:07, completing a rush created by junior forward Joe Westlund and senior forward Logan Anderson. From there, Bethel's defensive structure and Ryman's steady play sealed the win, as the senior stopped all nine shots he faced in the third.
Bethel improves to 3–3–0 overall and 1–0–0 in MIAC play, while Hamline drops to 0–5–0. The teams meet again Saturday night to wrap up the home-and-home series.
