KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Matheson Iacopelli netted two goals and Collin Olson made 18 saves as No. 18 Western Michigan downed Air Force, 4-1, at Lawson Ice Arena on Saturday night.
Olson made his first start of the season after recovering from double hip surgery last season, earning his first win of the season and third as a Bronco. Wade Allison scored his second goal of the weekend and Scott Moldenhauer added an empty-net goal. Freshman Hugh McGing had two assists to lead the team.
Western Michigan (7-3-2) outshot the Falcons 47-19, including an 18-5 advantage in the third period. WMU was held scoreless on seven power plays, but also held AF scoreless on three.
The Broncos took a 1-0 lead late in the in the first period on Allison's sixth goal of the season. Griffen Molino passed it to Colt Conrad in the right circle. Conrad ripped a shot that was blocked by a Falcon defenseman, but the puck bounced right to Allison and he put it past Air Force goalie Billy Christopoulos and into the net.
Just over two minutes later at 18:52 Air Force took advantage of a WMU turnover and Evan Giesler put it past Olson to tie it up at 1-1.
Midway through the second period Iacopelli scored his first of the night for the eventual game-winner. McGing picked up a loose puck in the Bronco zone and flipped it into the air down the ice. The puck bounced to the Chicago Blackhawks' draft pick for a breakaway and he beat Christopoulos for his 11th goal of the season.
The scoreline remained until Iacopelli struck again at 3:59 in the third period. McGing brought the puck out of the WMU zone and along the right boards. Iacopelli went streaking to the net and punched it in for his 12th of the season.
The Broncos clamped down on the Falcons and Moldenhauer added an empty-net goal with 1:03 left to play to push the final score to 4-1.
Western Michigan is off next weekend and returns home to host St. Cloud State on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. Both games can be seen live on NCHC.tv and heard on the Bronco Radio Network. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX and online at wmubroncos.com.
