Box Score BLAINE, Minn. — The St. Scholastica men's hockey team traveled to the National Sports Center on Friday evening to take on the Bethel University Royals. The contest remained even through the opening minutes of the third period, but two late goals from Bethel allowed the Royals to come away with a 5-3 victory.

Each team exchanged power play opportunities early in the opening frame, with neither side able to convert. The Saints struck first at 14:50 when Jared Scott (Kenosha, WI/Christian Life School) scored, assisted by Isaac Suppin (Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada/George Elliot Secondary) and Braden Panzer (Grand Forks, ND/Grand Forks Central HS). Bethel responded just moments later to even the score. St. Scholastica regained the lead at 17:09 on a power play goal from Riley Girod (Calvet, SK, Canada/), assisted by Kieran Chung (Nottingham, Great Britain/) and Evan Pahos (Parker, CO/), sending the Saints into the first intermission up 2-1.

The second period belonged to the Royals, as they scored twice, including a power play goal, to take a 3-2 advantage into the third period.

The Saints tied the game at 3:34 of the third period when Gavin Gunderson (Roseau, MN/Roseau HS) scored with assists from Daniel Kroon (Calgary, Canada/) and Luke McCarthy (Cottage Grove, MN/Park HS). Bethel then answered with two goals late in the period. Plagued by multiple penalties, the Saints were unable to respond, and the Royals secured the 5-3 win.

Eino Rissanen (Sonvillier, Switzerland/Lycée Blaise-Cendrars) had 25 saves in net for the Saints, while Evan Pahos (Parker, CO/) led the Saints with a season-best nine shots on net.

The Saints (4-13-1, 1-7-1 MIAC) will host the Royals in a rematch on Saturday, January 24. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside Mars Lakeview Arena.