KALAMAZOO -- For the second straight season the Western Michigan hockey team is headed to Joe Louis Arena for a shot at the Mason Cup in the CCHA Semifinals after defeating Lake Superior State, 5-2, in front of 2,658 fans at Lawson Ice Arena on Saturday night.

WMU (19-13-6) built a 5-0 lead and relinquished two late goals to the Lakers but dominated possessions and shots on goal, outshooting LSSU 40-29. Kyle O'Kane netted two goals, while Ian Slater, Luke Witkowski and Matt Tennyson each lit the lamp. Mike Leone and Dan DeKeyser each tallied two assists in the series clinching win. Frank Slubowski made 27 saves on the night, while LSSU goalie Kevin Kapalka made 35.

The Broncos jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Witkowski's first career goal at home. WMU was on the power play and Leone found Witkowski streaking to the back-door and he punched it in for his second of the season at 5:34 in the first period. Leone tallied his fourth assist of the season, with Greg Squires also notching his 11th.

Tennyson lit the lamp for WMU's second power play goal at 13:09 in the second period on a slap-shot from the left circle for his 10th goal of the season. Dane Walters and Chase Balisy each tallied assists on the goal. Tennyson became the first Bronco since Dave Cousineau netted 11 during the 2001-02 season.

WMU extended the lead to 3-0 at 16:07 on Slater's third goal of the weekend. Tennyson fired a shot from the right circle and Slater banged in the rebound for his sixth of season. Tennyson notched his 12th assist on the goal, while J.J. Crew picked up his sixth and second on the weekend.

It only took 1:02 more for the Broncos to add their fourth of the night. O'Kane walked the puck into the slot and then toe-dragged it around a defender and back-handed it into the net for his fifth of the season. Leone and DeKeyser each notched helpers on the senior's goal. O'Kane then added his second of the night at 6:43 in the third period, punching in a rebound on a shot by Derek Roehl.

Collin Campbell and Zach Trotman each added goals for LSSU late in the third period, but the comeback was squashed by the Bronco defense. WMU held the Lakers 0-for-5 on power plays, allowing just three total shots on goal while down a man.

Western Michigan must wait for the conclusion of the Ferris State and Bowling Green series for its opponent in the CCHA Semifinals to be decided. If Ferris State wins the series the Broncos will play Michigan, while if Bowling Green upsets the Bulldogs, WMU will play Miami.