Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Brent Walton's hat trick lifted Western Michigan to a 4-3 victory over Notre Dame before a soldout crowd of 3,935 at Lawson Arena.  The win evened WMU's record in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association to 4-4-1.

Notre Dame (3-9-1/2-6-1 CCHA) struck just nine seconds into the game on Tim Wallace's shot from the left circle.  The Broncos responded 24 seconds later on Daryl Moore's first goal of the season.

Walton then took over scoring a power play tally at 3:23 of the first period, then striking twice in a pan of 44 seconds in the second period to complete his second career hat trick as a Bronco.  The senior forward has seven goals in his last five games.

The Irish received goals from Jason Paige and Josh Sciba to close the gap to 4-3, but couldn't find the equalizer.

"A well played game by both teams," said WMU coach Jim Culhane.  "I thought we skated very hard and played with a lot of energy tonight."

Western Michigan (3-9-1) travels to Notre Dame tomorrow night for a 7:05 p.m. EST start at the Joyce Center.