Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio -- The Western Michigan men's hockey team fell to No. 5 Miami, 2-0, at Steve Cady Arena on Friday night.

The deciding goal came midway through the second period on a power play. Brian Kaufman fired a shot from the point and Western Michigan (7-23-3, 3-20-2 CCHA) goalie Riley Gill made the initial save but Justin Mercier was in front of the net to put the rebound between Gill's legs for his 23rd goal on the season. Kaufman and Jarod Palmer picked up assists on the power play goal and the Redhawks went up 1-0.

Miami goalie Jeff Zatkoff was on top of his game and stopped all 23 Bronco shots to earn his third shutout of the season. Gill made 26 saves but dropped his 15th decision

Western Michigan came out strong in the first period, out-shooting the Redhawks 10-2. Cam Watson put the puck in the net on a pass from his brother Ryan Watson, but it was ruled no goal because the puck was intentionally kicked into the net.

The Bronco defense was stellar in the first by limiting Miami (26-6-1, 18-6-1 CCHA) scoring chances by blocking three shots. WMU also killed two power plays during the period but were unsuccessful during their man advantage.

The Broncos had a great opportunity late in the second when Nathan Ansell fired a shot on a tight pass from Jeff LoVecchio, but Zatkoff made a great save to keep WMU off the score board.

Miami pushed their lead to 2-0 at 6:31 in the third period on a goal by Ryan Jones. The nation's leading scorer took puck and beat Gill on his stick side from between the circles. Tommy Wingels and Kaufman assisted on Jones' 28th of the season.

Western Michigan battles the Redhawks on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.