FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- After 65 minutes of hockey Western Michigan defeated Alaska in a shootout, 2-1, after a 2-2 tie at the Carlson Center late Saturday night.
Derek Roehl and
Chase Balisy tallied in the shootout and
Frank Slubowski stopped Nik Yaremchuck when it mattered to help the Broncos (3-0-3, 1-0-1-1 CCHA) take five of six points on the weekend.
Garrett Haar and Balisy netted goals in regulation and Slubowski made 32 saves in his second career game.
Haar gave the Broncos a very early lead at the 2:22 mark in the first period. The freshman defenseman took a pass from
Ben Warda and patiently waited for the right mark to shoot and put it between UAF goalie Scott Greenham's legs for his first collegiate goal. The goal was technically short-handed because an Alaska player was exiting the penalty box after a minute of four-on-four play to start a Nanook penalty. Warda and
Ian Slater each picked up assists on the goal.
Balisy's third of the year added to the Bronco lead, pushing it to 2-0 with 2:35 left in the second period. The sophomore centerman danced with the puck in the corner before heading toward the slot. The puck rolled off his stick towards the net and under Greenham's legs and into the net.
Jordan Oesterle and Haar each tallied assists on the goal. The assist gave Haar his first two-point game in his young career.
Nik Yaremchuck brought the lead back within one when his fifth goal of the season made it 2-1. Yaremchuck was in the perfect place to put in a rebound on a shot by Cody Kunyk at 2:06 in the third period.
The game-tying goal came with 2:08 left in the third period on a goal by Andy Taranto. The big forward was positioned in front of the net and Jarret Granberg found him in front and he put it between Slubowski's legs for his second goal of the season.
The Broncos were outshot 34-19 despite having eight power plays on the night and were held scoreless with the man advantage.
WMU hosts Northern Michigan on Friday and Saturday next week with Saturday being Military Appreciation night.
