KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Sheldon Dries netted the game-winning goal with 6:52 left in the third period and Ben Blacker made 32 saves as No. 8/9 Western Michigan downed No. 13/12 North Dakota, 4-2, at Lawson Ice Arena on Friday night.

The win was the first home victory over UND in program history. WMU (17-8-4, 10-8-1-1 NCHC) also picked up goals from Neal Goff, Michael Rebry and Colt Conrad. In addition to his game-winner, Dries also had a game-high five blocked shots, including two in the final minutes to preserve the lead.

Tied 2-2 in the third period Cam Lee found Dries on a cross-ice pass at the Fighting Hawk blue line. The senior captain skated to the top of the right circle and sniped it past North Dakota goalie Cam Johnson for his 11th of the season. Lee also tallied his 11th assist of the season on the goal.

With just 1:30 left in the game Conrad added an empty-netter to seal the victory for his 11th goal of the season.

North Dakota took a 1-0 lead with time-winding down in the first period. Hayden Shaw tipped a Bronco pass out to Trevor Olson and he found Rhett Gardner for the short-handed goal on a 2-on-1 rush.

WMU tied it up 1-1 just 1:11 into the second period on Goff's second of the season. Goff ripped a shot from the top of the left circle and beat Cam Johnson. Hugh McGing and Colt Conrad each picked up assists.

Minutes later Western Michigan took a 2-1 lead after Rebry banged in his own rebound for his second goal of the season. Aidan Muir fired a shot that got deflected by a North Dakota defenseman and bounced right to Rebry's skates. The senior forward had two whacks at the puck, knocking the second one in. Muir tallied his eight assist of the season and Frederik Tiffels tallied his 10th.

The Fighting Hawks tied it up, 2-2, 6:34 into the third period. Ludvig Hoff centered the puck from the left boards and Cole Smith tapped it in for his third of the season.

Western Michigan outshot North Dakota 41-34 on the night and held them scoreless on two power plays.

The two teams battle it out for the final time in the regular season on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at wmubroncos.com and by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX.