BLAINE, Minn. – Backed by a two-goal performance from junior Joe Westlund and a dominant offensive showing, the No. 4 Bethel University Men's Hockey team advanced to the MIAC Semifinals with a 5-2 victory over No. 5 St. Olaf Wednesday night in front of a packed crowd at the Bethel University Arena.
The Royals controlled the pace throughout the night, outshooting the Oles 55-32 on goal and 80-52 overall, using timely scoring and sustained pressure to secure their third consecutive trip to the conference semifinals.
Bethel wasted little time energizing the home crowd, striking first on a power play just 3:23 into the opening period. Westlund found the back of the net off assists from Spencer Kring and Logan Anderson, giving the Royals an early 1-0 advantage.
St. Olaf answered midway through the period to even the score, but Bethel responded before the intermission. Senior Tyler Kostelecky restored the Royals' lead at the 15:05 mark of the first period, finishing a setup from Connor Brazil and Jameson O'Flynn to give Bethel a 2-1 edge heading into the first break.
After the Oles evened the score again in the second period, the Royals delivered their strongest push in the final frame.
Westlund struck again at the 7:00 mark of the third period, scoring his second goal of the night and the eventual game-winner. Brazil and Anderson each picked up their second assists of the contest on the play, helping Bethel regain the lead at 3-2.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Royals added an insurance goal when senior Tyler Braccini scored at 13:01 of the third period off an assist from Chase Beacom, extending the lead to two.
Bethel sealed the victory in the closing minutes as freshman Ethan Hull scored an empty-net goal with 2:15 remaining, assisted by Braccini, securing the 5-2 final.
In net, senior Austin Ryman turned in a strong postseason performance, recording 30 saves to help preserve the Royals' advantage and advance Bethel to the semifinal round.
The victory marks Bethel's fourth MIAC semifinal appearance in the last five seasons, continuing a stretch of postseason consistency for the program.
Up Next
The Royals will travel to St. Cloud, Minn., on Saturday, March 1, for a MIAC semifinal matchup against top-seeded Saint John's. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.
Bethel and Saint John's split their regular-season series in December, with each team earning a win on the other's home ice. Saturday's contest will mark the first postseason meeting between the two programs in the modern MIAC playoff format.
