Release courtesy of Matt Higgins – MIAC Assistant Executive Director
Blaine, Minn. – The Royals didn’t waste any time at the start of the 2014-15 season, as Bethel netted a goal less than a minute into the season-opener, then added two more goals over the first 11 minutes and held on the rest of the way for a 4-2 win over Gustavus. The Gusties made it a one-goal game at 3-2 early in the second period, but the Royals added an insurance goal in the third and held on for the victory.
Eric Szafranski gave Bethel its first lead of the new season just 54 seconds into the game with an unassisted goal. Josh Frietas added a goal with assists from Tony Larson and Michael Bond 8:32 into the game, and J.T. Walters scored again to give the Royals a startling 3-0 lead at the 11:10 mark. Travis Payne and Michael Chuinard assisted on Walters’ tally.
However, the Gusties got some momentum as Blake Schammel scored on a power play with Andy Pearson assisting just with just 45 seconds to play in the opening period. Then, at the 6:38 mark of the second period, Conor Deal scored to get Gustavus within a goal, with Darren Lapic picking up an assist. But the Gusties couldn’t find the net again, and Brock Raffaele sealed the deal with an unassisted goal for Bethel with less than five minutes to play.
Matt Rowe picked up the win in net for Bethel, stopping 32 of the 34 shots he faced. Erik Johnson made 27 saves in a losing effort for Gustavus. The Gusties out-shot the Royals 34-31, and Gustavus was 1-for-3 on the power play, while Bethel was 0-for-5. The Royals hope to carry the momentum over into Saturday’s Showcase showdown with St. Olaf at 6:30 p.m. on Rink 1, while Gustavus will take Saturday off and face the Oles on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on Rink 4.