Box Score

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- Jeff LoVecchio  and Paul Szczechura scored two goals each and Riley Gill won his first start as Western Michigan defeated Ferris State, 5-3, in a Central Collegiate Hockey Association contest held at Ewigleben Ice Arena.  The win snapped FSU's six-game win streak in the series as the teams split over the weekend.

LoVecchio scored twice in the second period, taking over the team goal-scoring lead (3) in the process.  His first goal came on a 4-on-4 situation.  From along the goal line, LoVecchio whirled and dumped a shot on net, that banked off the side of goaltender Mitch O'Keefe.  His second goal was the result of a fake shot in the slot, which was followed by a wrister over the shoulder of O'Keefe.  LoVecchio had a chance for a hat trick, but opted instead to pass to teammate Paul Szczechura, who scored in the final minute after FSU pulled its goalie for an extra skater.

Western Michigan built a 2-0 lead in the first period.  Patrick Galivan one-timed a shot in the slot on a pass from Brian Bicek, which was followed by Paul Szczechura's short-handed tally.  Szczechura earned Perani Cup No. 3 Star honors while LoVecchio was named No. 1 Star.

Freshman goaltender Riley Gill made 34 saves in his collegiate debut.  Matt Frank, Adam Miller and Joe Van Culin all scored their first goals of the season for the Bulldogs (3-3-0/1-1-0 CCHA).

"Our leaders on this team stepped up in a tough road situation," said coach Jim Culhane. "We played solid as a team in front of Riley, who played well in his first game."

WMU (2-2-0/2-2-0 CCHA) travels to Nebraska-Omaha next week.