BLAINE, Minn. – The Bethel University men's hockey team opened its 2026-27 home schedule Saturday evening, welcoming the University of Wisconsin-Superior to Bethel University Arena – National Sports Center. Despite generating 56 shots on goal and holding a first-period lead, the Royals came up short in a 1-2 decision.
Bethel wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. At 7:07 of the opening period, junior forward Connor Brazil found the back of the net to give the Royals a 1-0 advantage. Junior defenseman Luke Lindsay assisted on the goal, marking Brazil's third goal of the season.
Wisconsin-Superior responded less than a minute later, converting on the power play at 8:02 to even the contest at 1-1. Both teams continued to trade offensive opportunities throughout the remainder of the period, but neither was able to find another goal before the first intermission.
The second period saw Bethel generate significant offensive pressure, outshooting its opponent 22-8 while continuing to search for the go-ahead goal. The Royals recorded 10 shots on goal during a power-play opportunity but were unable to capitalize. Despite the offensive advantage, both teams remained scoreless through the second period.
Bethel continued to push in the third, looking to regain the lead in front of its home crowd. However, Wisconsin-Superior broke the deadlock at 10:33, scoring what proved to be the game-winning goal.
The Royals continued to apply pressure in the closing minutes, generating additional scoring opportunities but ultimately being unable to find the equalizer. Bethel finished the contest with 56 shots on goal, including 16 in the final period.
Brazil led the Royals with six shots on goal and accounted for Bethel's lone goal. Sophomore defenseman Jameson O'Flynn contributed 10 shots, while sophomore forward Ethan Hull added seven. Lindsay recorded the assist on Brazil's first-period goal.
Sophomore goaltender Beau Altman finished the evening with 22 saves on 24 shots faced. Bethel also recorded nine blocked shots and won 32 of 72 faceoffs.
The Royals finished 0-for-6 on the power play, while successfully killing two of Wisconsin-Superior's three power-play opportunities.
Bethel moves to 1-1-0 on the young season and will return to the ice next weekend for an away series against Trine University as the Royals continue their 2026-27 campaign.
