KALAMAZOO, Mich.-- Western Michigan University's hockey team fought back from an early one-goal deficit, but Ferris State scored two unanswered goals to earn a 3-1 victory in front of 2,606 fans at Lawson Arena Friday night.
Mike Leone knotted the score at one-apiece in the second period, but two goals by Travis Ouelette proved to be the difference in the contest. Matt Tennyson and Max Campbell added assists on Leone's tally. Jerry Kuhn made 26 saves in net for the Broncos, who fell to 16-11-10 on the season. Ferris State leads the best-of-three quarterfinal series 1-0.
Ferris State goaltender Pat Nagle lived up to his billing as one of the top goaltenders in the nation, making 32 saves. Cory Kane scored the other Bulldog goal. The victory improves the Bulldogs to 18-14-5 on the season.
After falling behind 1-0 on Kane's goal in the first period, the Broncos were able to pull even in the second period when they capitalized on a Bulldog turnover. Campbell poked the puck away from a Bulldog forward and fed a pass to Tennyson in the slot. Tennyson's wrist-shot was re-directed in front by Leone for his fourth goal of the season, which came at the 5:21 mark. The goal was Leone's first career playoff tally, with Campbell and Tennyson earning the assists.
Over the next several minutes of action, the Broncos had three opportunities to capitalize on the power play, but were unable to find the back of the net. The Broncos got 10 shots on net on their power play opportunities in the period with constant pressure, but Nagle was able to keep WMU off the board. The Broncos were unable to capitalize on any of their power play opportunities, going 0-of-4 on the man-advantage.
Ouellette responded with his first goal of the night at the 16:30 mark of the second period, knocking in a rebound on the power play. Brett Wysopal and Scott Wietecha picked up assists on the goal. Ferris State was 1-of-3 on the power play.
WMU was able to get pressure late with Kuhn pulled for the extra attacker, but Ouellette was able to add an empty-net goal for the final margin. The two goals give Ouellette eight on the season.
WMU will need a victory over Ferris State tomorrow night to extend its season, with face-off set for 7:05 p.m. Live coverage will be provided by the Bronco Radio Network on 96.5 FM WKZO and Bronco Insider.
