DULUTH, Minn. – The Bethel men's hockey team continued its impressive run Saturday night, earning a 6-2 road victory at St. Scholastica to complete its second consecutive weekend series sweep. The win capped another dominant showing by the Royals and
lifted Bethel to the top of the MIAC standings with 19 points as the conference race tightens.
The Royals set the tone early, controlling possession and pace from the opening faceoff and quickly turning pressure into offense. Bethel struck four times in the first period, capitalizing on crisp puck movement and sustained zone time. Max Hamstad opened the scoring with a well-placed finish off assists from Jeremiah Konkel and Joe Kelly, giving the Royals an early spark. George Peterson followed soon after, converting a feed from Connor Brazil and Ethan Hull to double the lead.
The offensive surge continued as Joseph Yoon added another first-period tally, before Joe Westlund closed out the frame with a goal assisted by Tyler Braccini and Jack Brown. The four-goal opening period sent Bethel into the first intermission with a commanding advantage and full control of the game's momentum.
St. Scholastica responded in the second period with a pair of goals, cutting into the deficit and attempting to shift momentum. Bethel answered with composure, staying disciplined defensively and continuing to generate quality chances at the offensive end. The Royals limited second-chance opportunities and leaned on steady goaltending from Austin Ryman to preserve the lead through the middle frame.
Bethel reasserted control in the third period, extending the lead with two more goals to put the game away. Westlund found the back of the net for the second time on the night, finishing a play set up by Luke Lindsay and Brown. Spencer Kring added the final goal of the contest, converting a feed from Braccini and Brown to seal the 6-2 victory.
Ryman finished the night with 28 saves, providing a calming presence in net as Bethel fended off any late push. Offensively, the Royals showcased their depth, with contributions coming throughout the lineup, while defensively Bethel controlled play through the neutral zone to close out another complete team performance.
With the win, Bethel secured its second straight weekend series sweep and moved into sole possession of first place in the MIAC standings with 19 points. The Royals now turn their attention to a pivotal conference matchup as they return home to host Gustavus on Friday, January 30. Gustavus enters the contest sitting second in the MIAC standings, setting the stage for a key showdown between the league's top two teams.
