SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Five special team goals lead Western Michigan to an 8-2 victory over defending national champion Union in the Shillelagh Tournament Championship on Saturday afternoon at Compton Family Ice Arena.

WMU's power play unit netted five of the team's eight total goals. The Broncos' penalty kill went 8-10 on the night. Nolan LaPorte earned himself a hat trick with two of his three goals coming during 5-on-4 play.

The sophomore forward netted the first power play goal of the game at 3:31 in the first period with assists from Justin Kovacs and Kenney Morrison. Kovacs found LaPorte in the slot and scored near side. His final two goals came at 9:26 and 16:28 of the second period.

Matt Stewart closed out the scoring for WMU at 18:59 in the third period from Willem Nong-Lambert and Kenney Morrison to make the final 8-2. The goal marked Stewart's first of the season.

Western Michigan proved to be an offensive powerhouse scoring 14 goals on the weekend. Four of the 15 different Broncos who earned points during the tournament notched three or more total points.

Justin Kovacs came away from the weekend with seven assists and the 2014 Shillelagh Tournament Most Outstanding Player award. Kovacs earned himself a spot on the All-Tournament team alongside Lukas Hafner, Frederik Tiffels, Nolan LaPorte and Union defenseman Jeff Taylor.

WMU goaltender Lukas Hafner recorded a career high 40 saves in the win, with 21 shots coming in the second period alone.

Western Michigan takes on National Collegiate Hockey Conference opponent Colorado College at Lawson Ice Arena on Dec 12. at 7 p.m.