SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Bethel University Men's Hockey team opened its 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion Friday evening, earning a 4-3 road victory over the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The Royals used a four-goal effort through the first two periods before holding off a late third-period rally to secure their first win of the season.
Bethel wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Junior forward Connor Brazil opened the scoring just 1:28 into the first period, finishing a feed from junior defenseman Chase Beacom to give the Royals an early 1-0 advantage.
After the hosts answered to even the score, Brazil struck again at the 4:28 mark, recording his second goal of the opening period. Junior forward Haden Kruse and sophomore forward Ethan Hull were credited with assists as Bethel regained the lead, 2-1.
The Royals carried their momentum into the second period, extending their advantage with two additional goals. Sophomore defenseman Jameson O'Flynn found the back of the net just 1:03 into the period, with assists from junior defenseman Luke Lindsay and junior forward Max Hamstad.
Bethel continued to apply pressure, and freshman forward Johnny Conlin added to the lead at 10:56 earning his first ever NCAA goal. Junior forward Joe Westlund and Hamstad picked up assists on the play, giving the Royals a 4-1 advantage.
Wisconsin-Superior responded with a goal late in the second period, cutting the deficit to two heading into the final intermission.
The hosts continued their push in the third, converting on the power play at 5:44 to make it a one-goal contest. Bethel's defense and sophomore goaltender Beau Altman stood firm down the stretch, keeping the opposition off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game and preserving the 4-3 victory.
Brazil led the Royals offensively with two goals, while O'Flynn and Conlin each added a goal. Hamstad contributed a team-high two assists, and Beacom, Kruse, Hull, Lindsay and Westlund each recorded an assist.
Altman turned in a strong performance between the pipes in his first NCAA appearance, stopping 29 of 32 shots faced. Bethel finished with 25 shots on goal and recorded 10 blocked shots while winning 23 of 51 faceoffs.
The Royals return to the ice Saturday, October 31, for their home opener against Wisconsin-Superior. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bethel University Arena – National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota.
