FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- No. 9 Western Michigan faltered on the road, falling 6-1 to Alaska in front of 2,795 fans at the Carlson Center late Friday night.
Chase Balisy netted the lone goal for the Broncos, who were outshot 32-17 on the night. The six goals surrendered by WMU were the most since a 6-3 loss at Michigan on Feb. 18, 2011.
The Nanooks struck first at 12:36 in the first period. Alaska rushed down the ice after a turnover with a three-on-one advantage. Jarret Granberg found Nolan Huysmans in the right circle and he put it into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.
The Broncos squared the game, 1-1, at 4:02 in the second period on a power play goal by Balisy. Balisy got a pass from
Shane Berschbach in the right circle and fired it past John Keeney for his third goal of the season.
Alaska responded with two straight goals to retake and extend the lead. Andy Taranto back-handed the puck over
Frank Slubowski's shoulder after picking up a loose puck in the Bronco zone at 10:28 in the second period.
Just minutes later Kaare Odegard netted his second of the season from the top of the left circle to push the lead to 3-1. Nolan Youngman found Odegard wide open in the left circle and the assistant captain beat Slubowski on his stick side.
Alaska added three more in the third period with Chad Gehon, Huysmans and Granberg all adding tallies.
Lukas Hafner made six saves in relief in the third period, allowing just one goal.
The Broncos and Nanooks battle again on Saturday night at 11:35 p.m.
