The Forester men's hockey team began 2022 with a 3-2 loss at Bethel University on Saturday in the first New Year's Day game in program history.
The visitors took the early lead at 8:06 in the opening period on senior forward Josh Giacomin's team-high fifth goal of the season. The play started behind the Forester goal, where freshman defenseman Connor Sullivan passed the puck up the right side to Giacomin. The Foresters' captain did the rest, crossing to the middle of the ice before skating into the offensive zone and between a pair of Royals while keeping his balance enough to slide the puck under the goaltender.
Bethel scored the next two goals, one on the power play early in the second period and another with 5:57 to play in the frame.
Lake Forest tied the game on senior forward Kyle Cote's second score of the season. Freshman forward Jared Gerger's shot from the right side was saved by the Bethel goalie but Cote was there for the rebound with 1:37 on the second period clock.
The Royals' game-winner came with 8:43 to play in the third.
The Foresters had a 32-25 advantage in shots on goal in the contest but fell to 5-7-1 on the season. Bethel improved to 8-3-1.
Lake Forest will resume Northern Collegiate Hockey Association play against Concordia University Wisconsin in next weekend's Border Battle. The teams will face off in Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse Friday night at 7:00 and at the Ozaukee Ice Center in Mequon, Wisconsin, at the same time on Saturday.
