WINONA, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team dropped the series finale at Saint Mary's as the host Cardinals tallied three goals in the third to down the Royals 4-1.
The loss drops Bethel to 11-8-2 on the year and 7-4-1 in MIAC play. They sit second in the standings with 21 points, one point ahead of St. Olaf and two points ahead of Concordia.
SMU struck first for the second night in a row, taking its 1-0 advantage into the first intermission. Both teams were unsuccessful in each of their only power play opportunities in the first 20 minutes while the shots on goal rang even at eight a piece.
Tyler Kostelecky got the Royals' lone goal of the night as BU was on the man advantage after the Cardinals were whistled for a five-minute major penalty for boarding.
The Cardinals broke the tie 42 seconds into the third period. They'd expand the BU deficit to a pair of goals making it 3-1 at the 10:42 mark.
Bethel pulled its goal with 3:14 left but couldn't light up the lamp. SMU got its empty net score with 33 seconds left.
BU outshot the Cardinals 12-8 in the final period and 35-20 for the game.
UP NEXT
Bethel hosts a pivotal conference series with Concordia, with both contests happening at Bethel University Arena. Friday's showdown is set for 7 p.m., while Saturday's puck drop will be at 5 p.m., with senior night festivities happening in the pregame.
