BIG RAPIDS, Mich. -- The 18th ranked Western Michigan hockey team picked up its first win of the season, defeating in-state rival Ferris State, 4-3, on the road at Ewigleben Ice Arena on Friday night.
Senior assistant captain Jade McMullen led the Broncos with a goal and an assist, while the Broncos (1-1-0) also got goals from Dawson DiPietro, Hugh McGing and Cam Lee. All four of Western Michigan's goals were scored in the first period. Sophomore goalie Austin Cain made 20 saves to earn his first win of the season.
The scoring started early for WMU with DiPietro netting his first goal of the season just 1:49 into the game. Ethen Frank created a turnover at center ice and pushed the puck to DiPietro, who beat Justin Kapelmaster to give the Broncos a 1-0 lead.
McMullen tallied his first of the season at 5:55 in the first period, finishing off a pass from Drew Worrad. Worrad picked up his second career point, while Corey Schueneman tallied his second assist of the season.
McGing pushed the lead to 3-0 with a power play goal at 10:03. McGing was positioned at the bottom of the left circle and banged in a rebound on a shot by McMullen for his first goal of the season. McMullen tallied his first assist of the season, along with Josh Passolt.
Just 1:20 later Lee punched in a rebound on a shot by Cole Gallant to give the Broncos a 4-0 lead. Gallant's assist was his first collegiate point, while Colt Conrad also picked up a helper.
FSU finally got on the scoreboard with 15 seconds left in the period with Coale Norris scoring his first of two goals on the night. The power play goal came from the right circle after a scrum along the boards popped the puck free.
After a scoreless second period the Bulldogs struck again, cutting the lead to 4-2 on a goal by Frankie Melton at 5:04 in the third period.
Norris took advantage of a bounce off the boards to punch in a goal and cut the lead to 4-3 with 7:04 left to play.
Ferris State pulled its goal in the remaining minute but Cain made three key saves in the final minute to preserve the win.
WMU outshot FSU 41-23 on the night and finished 1-for-5 on the power play.
The Broncos and Bulldogs are back at it again on Saturday, this time at Lawson Ice Arena. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX and online at WMUBroncos.com/tickets. The game will also be streamed on NCHC.tv.
