SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s hockey team played to a 1-1 overtime draw against Bethel on Friday night at Don Roberts Ice Rink, and gave up a point in the conference standings with a shootout loss. The Gusties move to 0-3-2 overall and 0-2-1 in the MIAC, while the Royals move to 4-2-1 overall and 1-1-1 in the league.
Just four minutes into the game, Jack Suchy (So., Medina) gave the Gusties an early 1-0 lead with his first goal of the season, assisted by Nate Stone (Fy., Edina), and the Gusties maintained a one-goal advantage into the first intermission.
Bethel was able to tie game 1-1 six minutes into second period and it stayed a tie game through regulation. Gustavus had more scoring opportunities in the third period, outshooting the Royals 12-7 in the frame, including a near goal by Mason Hendrickson (Fy., Deephaven) with 30 seconds left in regulation, but the game was sent to overtime.
The Royals controlled the five-minute overtime period by outshooting the Gusties 8-0, but no goals were scored and the game went to a best-of-three shootout where the visitors won 2-0.
Jackson Hjelle (Jr., Delano) made 36 saves while allowing one goal in 65 minutes of play. Both teams were unsuccessful on the power play with the Gusties going 0-for-3 and the Royals 0-for-2.
Gustavus and Bethel wrap up the series at 7 p.m. Saturday in Blaine.