SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Western Michigan needed a win to finish in fourth place for the first time since the 1994-95 season and that's just what they did. Senior Jerry Kuhn made 35 saves as the Broncos shutout No. 8 Notre Dame on the road at the Joyce Center, 2-0, on Saturday night.

The win secures fourth place and a first round bye for the Broncos in the CCHA Playoffs and they will host Ferris State in the second round. WMU picked up goals in the first period by Ian Slater and Trevor Elias and that was all they needed. Kuhn made 16 saves in the third period including one on a penalty shot with less than a minute remaining on Notre Dame's freshman sensation T.J. Tynan.

The Broncos took an early 1-0 lead at 9:51 in the first period on an unassisted goal by Slater. The junior captain corraled a loose puck from behind the net and his wrap-around shot went between ND goalie Steven Summerhays' legs for his eighth goal of the season.

WMU pushed the lead to 2-0 minutes later at 11:20 when Elias' speed caught Notre Dame by surprised and he shelfed his breakaway attempt for his third goal of the season. Max Campbell tallied an assist on the goal, his 13th of the season.

WMU held the Fighting Irish 0-for-6 on the power play on the night with Kuhn making 13 saves while down a man.

The Broncos spoiled Notre Dame's night as the Fighting Irish needed to win to capture the regular season CCHA Championship. Instead, Michigan defeated Northern Michigan 5-0 to earn the regular season title.

Tickets are onsale online at www.wmubroncos.com and will be for sale at the WMU ticket office and by phone at 1-888-4-WMU-TIX.