The Yale men’s hockey team lost 4-3 to No. 15 Minnesota State, Mankato in the consolation game of the 2026 Cactus Cup held in Palm Springs, California. The defeat brings Yale’s season record to 4-10, while Minnesota State improved to 12-5-5.
Minnesota State scored first midway through the opening period. In the second period, the Mavericks extended their lead with two quick goals, making it 3-0. Yale responded when Donovan Frias drove into the offensive zone and scored near the midpoint of the period.
Early in the third period, Minnesota State added a fourth goal to restore a three-goal lead. Yale narrowed the gap as Rhys Bentham left the penalty box and assisted David Chen for a goal at 7:54. Later in the period, Dylan Hunt’s shot deflected off a skate and reached Owen Forester, who scored his first career goal for Yale with just over five minutes remaining.
Jack Stark made 34 saves in goal for Yale during the game. Donovan Frias recorded his fourth goal of the season, while David Chen notched his fifth. Rhys Bentham contributed assists on two goals, marking his first multi-point performance since November 9, 2024. Owen Forester had his first multi-point game as a Bulldog with both a goal and an assist. Will Richter has now recorded assists in consecutive games, and Dylan Hunt earned his fourth assist of the season.
Yale will return home for its next games against St. Lawrence and Clarkson on January 9 and 10, with both contests scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
