Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio (March 10) -- Western Michigan suffered its first postseason loss, falling to second-ranked Miami, 4-1, in quarterfinal action of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament from Goggin Arena.  WMU (10-23-6) must win game two of the best-of-three series tomorrow night to keep its season alive.

WMU's lone tally came from Brent Walton, who scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season in the third period.  Walton skated the length of the ice, dragged the puck between his skates and tucked a shot past G Charlie Effinger.

The RedHawks (24-7-4) struck twice on the power play and added a short-handed empty netter.  Rookie Alec Martinez scored his first goal of the season, while Ryan Jones (20th), Nathan Davis (19th) and Matt Christie (7th) also lit the lamp.

“We gave a very good effort tonight, we played with a lot of grit and determination against a very good Miami team,” said WMU coach Jim Culhane. “The difference was the two goals they scored on the power play.”

Miami outshot WMU, 37-19, as the Broncos managed just two shots in the opening period.  Daniel Bellissmo finished with 33 saves.