ST. PETER, Minn. – Bethel Men's Hockey battled in a tightly contested MIAC matchup on Saturday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink in St. Peter, pushing the visitors into overtime before falling 1-2 in overtime. The Royals played with intensity from puck drop, matching every challenge and keeping the game close until the final whistle. Bethel's two losses this weekend dropped the Royals to third place in the MIAC standings, tightening a competitive conference race with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season.
The lone regulation goal for Bethel came at 10:21 of the first period, when Jameson O'Flynn finished a play set up by Tyler Kostelecky to give the Royals an early 1-0 lead. Bethel's forecheck and puck movement kept the pressure on the opposition throughout the opening frame.
Late in the first, the visitors tied the game 19:54 into the period on a power play goal, setting up a 1-1 tie that would hold through regulation. The Royals responded with consistent defensive forechecking and relied on strong goaltending to keep the contest level.
Both teams battled through scoreless second and third periods, forcing overtime. Bethel's special teams stayed active with multiple power play opportunities, and the penalty kill worked hard to keep the opposition from converting despite extended stretches shorthanded.
In the extra session, the visitors struck at 0:40 of overtime to secure the 1-2 victory. Even in defeat, Bethel's effort was evident in every corner of the ice as the Royals pushed the pace and competed until the final buzzer.
Senior goalie Austin Ryman was solid between the pipes for Bethel, turning aside 34 saves and keeping the Royals within reach throughout the back‑and‑forth affair. Ryman's athletic stops on quality chances helped Bethel remain competitive late in the contest.
Despite the overtime loss and slide to third in the MIAC, Bethel showcased resilience and depth, with scoring from O'Flynn and standout goaltending highlighting the night. The Royals will look to build on this competitive effort as they continue through the conference schedule. In the MIAC, teams earn two points for a win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and zero points for a regulation loss, meaning Bethel still picked up a point despite the extra-time defeat.
Up next, Bethel returns home for another key MIAC matchup. The Royals play Saint Mary's University (Minn.) at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the in Winona, looking to rebound and earn an important conference victory.
