BLAINE, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College men’s hockey team was shutout 3-0 by the Bethel University Royals Saturday night at Bethel University Arena-National Sports Center. Bethel played a consistent game, scoring once each period, leading to its three-point victory. The loss brings Gustavus to 6-13-4 overall and 5-7-2 in the MIAC, while Bethel improves to 3-18-2 overall and 2-12-0 in the league.
Bethel took control of the puck early, as Justin Bonanno netted his sixth goal of the season just 1:56 into game. The goal was assisted by Blake Peavy and Michael Bond. The Royals went into the first break with a one-point, 1-0 advantage, despite Gustavus’s 10 shots on goal versus Bethel’s eight.
During the second period, the Gusties were able to settle down and blocked 13 shots from Bethel. However, the Royals managed to find the back of the net with 3:04 left in the frame, after Dylan Webster’s second goal of the season. Eric Szafranski and Matt Rowe were credited with the assists. The Gusties went into the final quarter trailing 2-0.
The Royals held steady, scoring their third goal 6:50 into the final frame. The puck was netted by Peter Barral with JT Walters credited with the assist, leading to a 3-0 Royals victory.
Gustavus was narrowly outshot 31-26 in total and lost the faceoff battle 40-27. Despite having six power-play opportunities throughout the game, the Gusties weren’t able to find the back of the net. Gustie goalie Chris Amsden (Fy., St. Peter, Minn.) tallied 28 saves.
Gustavus will play its final home-away series of the season against Hamline, starting on Friday night at Don Robert’s Ice Rink with faceoff set for 7:05 p.m
Friday’s contest will honor Gustavus’s two seniors, Darren Lapic (New Prague, Minn.) and Gavin Tufte (Blaine, Minn.).