Bethel bounced back from a 4-1 loss last night in St. Peter with a 3-2 victory over the Gustavus men's hockey team on Saturday night in Blaine, Minn. The Gusties scored two third period goals to cut the lead to 3-2 yet couldn't find the equalizer in the remaining six minutes of the game.
Adam Smyth scored his first goal of the season late in third period to cut the Bethel lead to 3-2.
Both squads pick up two points in their MIAC-opening series of the year. Gustavus moves to 2-2-2 overall and 1-1-0 in the MIAC, while Bethel picks up its first win of the year and is now 1-5-0 overall and 1-1-0 in the MIAC.
The Royals finished the game with a total of 26 shots in the contest, 22 of which came in the first two periods as they outshot the Gusties 22-to-12 in the opening 40 minutes.
After a scoreless first period, Bethel's Jack Paul opened up the scoring with a power play goal off a Chris Fiala assist 1:01 into the second period.
Jon Crouse gave the Royals a 2-0 lead at the 13:38 mark of the period off another Fiala assist and the Gusties found themselves down two goals heading into the second intermission.
The Gusties came out re-energized in the third period, outshooting Bethel 12-to-4. Despite the improved effort, Paul put Bethel up 3-0 with what turned out to be the game-winner at the 9:31 point of the period.
Ross Ring-Jarvi cut the lead to 3-1 at 11:02 after putting in a Zach May assist, and Adam Smyth scored is first goal of the season at 13:54 to bring the game to a final at 3-2. Andy Pearson was credited with the assist on Smyth's goal.
The final shot total saw Bethel hold a 26-24 advantage. The Gusties were 0-for-3 on the power play, while Bethel was 1-for-4.
John McLean suffered his first of season in goal and is now 1-2-0 on the year. McLean made 23 saves in the game. Dan Haper picked up the victory (1-2-0) in a complete-game 22-save effort.
The Gustavus men's hockey team will be back in MIAC action next weekend when the Gusties take on St. Tomas in a away/home series on Nov. 18-19. Friday night's contest in Mendota Heights will begin at 7:00 p.m., while Saturday's game will start at 7:05 p.m. at Don Roberts Ice Rink.