Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Lawson Arena continues to wreak havoc on ranked teams.

Jeff Pierce's goal scored with 2:46 left in regulation lifted Western Michigan to a 3-2 win over third-ranked Notre Dame Friday in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association series opener.  In the process, the Broncos notched their fifth win against a Top 20 team, the fourth at home this season.

The final statistics reflect a number of obstacles the Broncos had to overcome for the victory.  Notre Dame held the advantage in power play opportunities (nine versus four) and shots (31 to 19).  The first-place Irish even had momentum on their side when they struck twice in the third period on a power play goal from Kyle Lawson and a short-hander from Garret Regan scored a minute, 30 seconds apart to tie the game.

"It was a tremendous effort by our team against a very good Notre Dame squad," WMU coach Jim Culhane said afterwards.  "I thought we showed a lot of composure when the game got tight at 2-2.  It was a great crowd and environment in the building tonight."

WMU received goals from Patrick Galivan and Jeff LoVecchio to built a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes.  LoVecchio now has 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in his last nine games.  In goal, Daniel Bellissimo finished with 29 saves.

The series continues tomorrow with a 7:35 p.m. faceoff from Lawson.  Comcast Local will carry the game live.