Box Score The Hamline men's hockey team built a 3-0 lead and held off a late charge for a 3-1 victory over Bethel Friday night at TRIA Rink. Kyle Wendorf, Russ Jordan and Jesse Kessler supplied the offense for HU, which improved to 8-10-2 overall and 3-6-2 in MIAC games. Evan Robert kicked away 26 saves in goal to earn the win. 

But nothing came easy on this night. Wendorf (pictured) had the only goal of an evenly played first period. The freshman tipped Kessler's point shot in the net at 18:33 to send the Pipers to the locker room with a 1-0 lead. 

The second period was bogged down with nine penalties. Jordan continued his hot ways with his team leading 11th of the season on a feed from Cody Bentzel. The senior has 13 points (7 G, 6 A) in his last nine games to take over the team lead in points. 

Kessler scored the prettiest goal of the night, a shorthanded effort at 19:12. Peter Barral, playing his first game for HU, fed Tommy Hall, who redirected a shot towards the net. Kessler cut in front of a BU defender and deflected it downwards into the net for a 3-0 advantage. 

The Royals got that goal back early in the third period and pressed the Pipers the rest of the way. Robert, however, stayed firm and HU stretched its current unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1). Robert has allowed just 16 goals in his last eight starts and has lowered his GAA to 2.43. 

The teams face off again Saturday, January 27 in Blaine. Game time is 7:00 p.m.