BLAINE, Minn. – Bethel University used two goals early in the third period to pull away on its way to a 5-1 victory over the St. Olaf College men's hockey team on Saturday evening at Bethel University Arena at the National Sports Center.

Bethel (6-13-3, 5-5-3 MIAC) led 2-0 after one period before senior Roshen Jaswal scored with just over five minutes remaining in the second period to bring St. Olaf (3-16-1, 1-9-1 MIAC) within a goal after two. The Royals, however, scored twice in the first five minutes of the third period to build a three-goal cushion and added a fifth with two seconds remaining.

Nick Ketola led the way for Bethel with a three-point night on two goals and one assist, while Luke Posner had a goal and an assist. Ten Royals registered at least one point in the series opener between the two teams.

Ketola broke the deadlock midway through the opening period, scoring at 9:37 to give his team the lead. Posner's goal a little more than three minutes later at 12:58 doubled Bethel's lead heading into the first intermission.

St. Olaf generated 10 shots on goal in the second period and was rewarded on Jaswal's fourth goal of the season at 14:58 to make it a one-goal game. Senior Andrew Willner and sophomore Tyler Uravage earned assists on Jaswal's shot from the right point, which was Jaswal's team-leading eighth point of the season.

Zeke Zeier and Dylan Giorgio scored less than three minutes apart inside the first five minutes of the third period to push Bethel's lead to 4-1. Ketola capped his three-point night with a shorthanded, empty-net goal with two seconds to go.

Sophomore Cooper Lukenda made 30 saves in the loss for his third 30-save effort of the season. Joe Sheppard turned aside 26 of the 27 shots he faced to earn the win for the Royals.

St. Olaf hosts Bethel on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. at St. Olaf Ice Arena.