Box Score
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (Jan. 13) ? Brent Walton's career-high four goals propelled Western Michigan to its first road win of the season, a 5-4 decision over Bowling Green at the BGSU Ice Arena Friday evening. The Central Collegiate Hockey Association rematch is slated for tomorrow night in Lawson Arena ? the Broncos' first home game in six weeks.
Walton ripped a slap shot from the left circle over the shoulder of G Jon Horrell with 6:58 left in regulation to help the Broncos snap a seven-game winless streak and halt the Falcon's six-game winning string. The goal, Walton's team-leading 16th of the season, also moved the senior into a tie for 25th place on the school's all-time scoring list.
Walton jump started the Broncos with a goal just 43 seconds after the opening faceoff on an assist from Ryan Mahrle. The goal was the Broncos' fastest to start a game this season.
BG responded with a pair of tallies from RW James Unger and C Ryan Barnett. The Falcons went up, 3-1, in the second period on John Mazzei's goal. Walton, however, notched his second hat trick of the season (and third of his career) with goals at 3:42 and 12:12 to tie the contest.
The teams exchanged power play goals in the third period, setting up Walton's late-game heroics. Senior G Eric Marvin made 28 saves to win his first start of the season.
“It was a tremendous effort from everyone” said coach Jim Culhane. “Brent (Walton) got into the grove early and we tried to find as much ice time as possible for him The puck had eyes for Brent tonight.”
NOTES: Sophomore goaltender Daniel Bellissimo did not play due to a groin injury. He had started 32 games in a row ... the game was televised locally by the BCSN Sports Network ... WMU closed an eight-game road swing.
