KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Led by an
Ethan Phillips hat trick, the Western Michigan hockey team collected its first win of the 2023-24 season on Thursday night at Lawson Arena. The Broncos upended Ferris State, 6-4.
FIRST PERIOD
It didn't take long for the WMU offense to get going, as the Broncos scored on the first shift of the game. After a
Dylan Wendt shot was saved, Boston University transfer Phillips collected the rebound and lit the lamp for his first goal as a Bronco.
After the goal the Broncos would continue to test the Ferris State defense, getting 16 shots in the next 11 minutes of play. Despite the offensive attack, Ferris State would knot the game at 1-1 just over 11 minutes into the first frame. However, just a few minutes later, WMU would strike again, with
Daniel Hilsendager ripping a shot from the point that would be tipped in front by Phillips for the go-ahead goal in the first period.
Over the final five minutes of action in the first period, the Broncos would get six shots. Nothing would find the back of the net, and the Brown and Gold would carry a 2-1 advantage into the second 20 minutes.
SECOND PERIOD
Much like the first period, the Broncos were able to strike early in the second period as well.
Luke Grainger found
Alex Bump who hit Wendt in front of the net for a goal just 41 seconds into the second period. About six and a half minutes into the second period, the Broncos would get a look on the power play with Andrew Noel being sent off for interference.
During the man advantage,
Tim Washe got two shots on net, while Wendt and
Joe Cassetti each got one shot. The Bulldogs would eventually get back to full strength. As the game moved to the middle portion of the second period, Ferris State would get back within one, as Jacob Dirks scored.
But the Broncos would again respond well, with Grainger using a crossing pass from Wendt to push the WMU lead back to two (4-2) late in the second frame. WMU would carry that two-goal advantage into the final 20 minutes.
THIRD PERIOD
In what became a theme of the night, WMU once again scored in the opening seconds of the period. The Broncos found themselves on an odd-man rush with Phillips and Grainger. Phillips dropped a pass to the captain, who buried it into the back of the net to increase the WMU lead to 5-2.
Ferris State would respond less than three minutes later to make the score 5-3. WMU would go back on the power play just over eight minutes into the final period. After a
Matteo Costantini faceoff win,
Carter Berger passed to
Sam Colangelo who found Phillips open in front of the net. He was able to tally his third goal of the night, pushing the lead to 6-3.
A few minutes later, the Bulldogs would get a power play opportunity with Bump heading to the box. Ferris State converted on that chance, making the score 6-4 just over 12 minutes into the period. As the time ticked down, Ferris State would pull its goalie to try and find a spark. However, neither team would find the back of the net, and WMU would collect the 6-4 victory.
Western Michigan dominated the game, getting 48 shots on goal compared to 27 for Ferris State. Wendt led the way with five points (1-4-5), while Phillips (3-1-4) and Grainger (2-2-4) each had four points.
UP NEXT
WMU and FSU will play again on Friday night in Big Rapids, Mich. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
