None, seven and one
Bethel University Men’s Hockey team struggles to work hard and keep up team morale through a diverse season
By Sierra Smith | Design Editor
By half time the score was 3-0, Concordia College. The stench of months-old hockey gear fought for air space against the tension that hung over the rink. The competition would not be won easily. Fans chatted anxiously as the players of both teams skated on to start the second half. “War Machine” by Kiss roared in rink five of the Schwan’s Super Rink in Blaine.
Bethel University Men’s Hockey team has not had an above .500 season since 2007. This year in the MIAC preseason coaches’ poll the Cobbers were ranked number five, with Bethel being ranked at the bottom in the ninth spot. However, the Royals expected the 2018-19 season to be a turnaround year. This weekend’s set of games were supposed to test this theory, being two easier conference games in the MIAC.
As the third period commenced, the Royals continued with power play after power play hoping to gain an advantage in order to score. The continued efforts by Bethel’s team were wasted as the time on the clock dwindled down. The crowd of more than 50 fans kept their heads high as they reasoned among themselves that this year is actually one of growth and transition with a new coach in place and 10 incoming freshman on the team. The score on the board at the end of the game was 4-0, Concordia. Sunday morning the Royals would wake up to the reminder of zero wins, seven losses and one tie on the season. The team would have to figure out a way to overcome these losses and use it as motivation to work harder. Their fans are not giving up on them yet, and have confidence that they can turn this season around.
