Box Score
HAMILTON, N.Y. -- Western Michigan remains unbeaten against ranked opponents after skating to a 2-2 overtime tie against 15th-ranked Colgate in non-conference action from Starr Rink. The Broncos are 3-0-2 this season versus Top 15 teams.
Paul Szczechura scored just 41 seconds into the third period to give WMU its only lead of a night ? a lead that lasted until Kyle Wilson scored his 11th marker of the season at 10:21.
The game was tied 1-1 after two periods. Colgate struck first on captain Jon Smyth's power play tally at 10:40 of the first period. WMU (3-6-2) answered in the second period when Brent Walton notched his sixth goal of the season at 5:55. Walton has six points (3-3) in his last four games.
“This is the second straight game where we have played well on the road,” said WMU coach Jim Culhane. “We tied MSU last week and I was pleased with our effort tonight. I thought we played with discipline, taking only five minor penalties in a tough environment on the road.”
The Raiders (7-2-3) finished with a 33-28 edge in shots; goaltender Daniel Bellissimo made 31 saves for the Broncos to earn No. 3 Star of the Game honors.
The series concludes tomorrow night at Starr Rink.
NOTES: Colgate is ranked 15th by the USCHO.com/CSTV and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls ... Walton appeared in his 125th consecutive game tonight ... D Ryan Marhle did not play due to a game disqualification penalty issued last week ... WMU, which last played on Raider ice in January, 1996, now leads the all-time series 7-3-1.
