BOX SCORE

Starting the New Year off with a bang the College of Saint Benedict (2-4-3, 1-2-3 MIAC) ice hockey team cruised to a 3-1 non-conference victory over MIAC foe Bethel this afternoon while playing in Minnesota Showcase in Buffalo, Minnesota. The Blazers struck first late in the first period on a power play goal by junior forwardKerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) and never looked back dominating special teams play and penalty kill opportunities.

Junior forwardKelly Fladebo (Mora, MN, Cambridge-Isanti Mora) widened the Blazer lead 2-0 when she scored he third goal of the season in the second period while being assisted by junior defender Rachel Welz (Oconomowoc, WI, Oconomowoc). A Royals goal in the third period tightened the game as the final seconds ticked before junior forward Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola) put the game out of reach with her empty net goal 19:32 in the third. Ernst was assisted on the play by Graske and sophomore forward Karlyn Sturtevant (Baldwin, WI, Baldwin-Woodville High School).

The Blazers next take on Saint Anselm College at 5 pm tomorrow in Buffalo before traveling to Duluth to play the College of Saint Scholastica January 8.