Box Score

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Freshman defenseman Kevin Connauton scored a goal 7:57 into the second overtime period to down Lake Superior State, 4-3, and force game three in Central Collegiate Hockey Association playoff action late Saturday night at Lawson Ice Arena.

Freshman Kyle O'Kane took the puck through the left circle and pulled LSSU goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson out of the crease. O'Kane tried to stuff the puck around him but it deflected off of Mahoney-Wilson's leg pad and out towards the right circle. Connauton pounced on the puck and fired it into an open net for the victory. O'Kane and fellow freshman J.J. Crew each tallied their second assists on the night on the game-winner.

Western Michigan goaltender Riley Gill made 14 of his career-high 54 saves during the two overtime periods and the Bronco's extended their power play goal scoring streak to 12 games.

Eight of the 10 points registered by the Broncos were by freshman. Greg Squires tallied the first goal of the game and later assisted on Connauton's first goal. Crew and O'Kane also assisted on a goal by Jared Katz in the second period.

Goals by Squires and Connauton gave the Broncos a 2-1 lead after the first period, and were able to extended the lead to 3-1 on the goal by Katz in the second period.

LSSU's Nathan Perkovich scored a goal with 2:43 remaining in the second period to bring the Lakers within one and Matt Cowie tied up the game, 3-3 with 2:30 remainging in the third period to force overtime.

The Broncos were able to out shoot LSSU in the first overtime period, 12-6, but were out-shot in the game 57-45.

The two teams will battle in the final game of the series on Sunday evening at 7:35 p.m.