MINNEAPOLIS -- Augsburg University fell to Bethel University 4-2, in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's hockey game on Friday. The Auggies managed two goals in the third period, but the Royals sealed the victory with a power-play goal and an empty-netter.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Bethel 4, Augsburg 2
LOCATION: Ed Saugestad Rink, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 5-9-2 overall (2-4-1 MIAC), Bethel 7-6-1 overall (3-2-0 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The game commenced with Augsburg taking early control, winning the opening faceoff and quickly firing shots from Peyton Hanson and Duke Kiffin, though both went wide. Bethel capitalized on a power-play opportunity following a penalty on Cade Stibbe of the Auggies but was unable to score. Augsburg's Alex Timmons showed resilience in goal, making multiple saves as the Royals mounted pressure. However, Bethel broke through at 15:20 with a goal by George Peterson, assisted by Tyler Braccini and Jake Svenddal. The first period concluded with Bethel leading 1-0.

Augsburg faced a challenging second period, conceding a goal at 13:49 to Bethel's Connor Brazil. Despite multiple power play opportunities and consistent shots from Conner Schneider and Griffin Ayotte, the Auggies were unable to capitalize. Augsburg's defense, led by goalie Alex Timmons, managed to prevent further scoring from the visitors, but the Royals maintained their lead throughout the period, closing it out with a 2-0 advantage over Augsburg.

Augsburg began the third period with a crucial goal by Nick Catalano at 16:16, tying the game at 2-2 with assists from Ryan Comishock and Cade Stibbe. Despite this momentum, Bethel responded with a power-play goal by Spencer Kring at 10:13, regaining the lead. The Auggies' Landon Parker scored an unassisted goal at 4:05, narrowing the gap to 3-2. In the final minutes, Augsburg pulled their goalie, seeking an equalizer, but Bethel secured the win with an empty-net goal by Tyler Braccini with 10 seconds remaining. The game concluded with Bethel defeating Augsburg 4-2.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Landon Parker: 1 goal, 5 faceoff wins, 3 shots on goal
• Nick Catalano: 1 goal, 1 shot on goal, +1 rating
• Alex Timmons: 32 saves

BETHEL PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Tyler Braccini: 1 goal, 2 assists, 6 shots on goal
• Spencer Kring: 1 power-play goal
• George Peterson: 1 goal: 3 shots on goal
• Austin Ryman: 18 saves

UP NEXT
• In their next game, Augsburg will travel to Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn., to face the Royals on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m.