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KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University built a four goal lead and withstood a late rally to defeat Ontario Institute of Technology 5-2 in an exhibition Sunday afternoon at Lawson Ice Arena.
The Broncos got goals from Shane Bershbach, Trevor Elias, Matt Tennyson, Max Campbell and Brett Beebe, while Jerry Kuhn and Nick Pisellini combined on the goaltending effort. Kuhn stopped all nine shots he faced and Pisellini added four saves. For the game, the Broncos peppered Ontario Institute of Technology with 61 shots while surrendering only 15 attempts.
Ontario Institute of Technology got goals from Jeremy Whelan and Kyle Wetering, while goaltender Jason Guy turned away 56 Bronco shots.
It took awhile for both teams to find their offensive groove, as the teams battled to a 0-0 tie through the first period. Shane Bershbach broke the ice for the Broncos 1:16 into the second period, tipping in a rebound that had popped into the air to give the Broncos a 1-0 lead.
The Broncos were able to add to their lead late in the second period on a power play goal by Trevor Elias. A swarm of Broncos crashed the net, and Elias put away the rebound off a long shot to make the score 2-0.
It was the lone power-play of the goal for the Broncos, finishing 1-11. The Broncos also killed off three of four Ontario power-play attempts.
Matt Tennyson scored what proved to be the game-winner 25 seconds into the third period. Tennyson corralled a clearing attempt and blasted a shot from the blue line that found the back of the net.
Max Campbell increased the Bronco lead to four at 1:29 of the thrid period. Elias and Kyle O'Kane got the puck to the front of the net, and Campbell found the loose puck and slid it into the back of the net, giving the Broncos a 4-0 advantage.
Ontario Institute of Technology mounted a comeback attempt with goals by Whelan and Wetering, but the Broncos were able to answer. Derek Roehl cleared the puck out of the Bronco zone to Brett Beebe, who chipped the puck ahead to himself, stepped around a defender and wristed a shot inside the far post for the final goal of the game.
This is the only exhibition for the Brown & Gold this season. The Broncos look to continue their success when they open the regular season Friday, Oct. 8 against Canisius. Face-off is set for 7:35 p.m. at Lawson Ice Arena.
