KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- In another sellout at Lawson Arena, the Western Michigan hockey team was able to tally two third-period goals to upend Colorado College 2-1 Saturday night. With the win, the Broncos clinched home ice for the NCHC Quarterfinals.
Trailing 1-0 heading into the third period and throughout most of the final 20 minutes,
Tim Washe was able to find the equalizer at the 13:25 mark of the final period. Then just 22 seconds later,
Daniel Hilsendager lit the lamp to give the Broncos the lead and eventually the victory.
Cameron Rowe was terrific in net once again, finishing the game with 30 saves.
Both goalies were outstanding in the first period, as Rowe made 14 saves in the opening period, while CC's Kaidan Mbereko was able to stop all nine of Western Michigan's shots. The Tigers went to the box just over three minutes into the game, giving WMU a chance to open things up early. However, the Broncos would tally just two shots, and the Tigers would get back to even strength. As the game moved to the middle part of the period, Washe went to the box for cross checking, but WMU held the Tigers without a shot during the two-minute minor. With just over two minutes to play in the first period,
Cedric Fiedler was sent to the box for boarding, giving CC a chance to head into the intermission with a lead. Rowe came up with three saves and WMU blocked two shots to keep the score 0-0 heading to the second period.
The Broncos came out with some energy to open the second 20 minutes, getting a few chances on net. That offensive spark continued into the middle portion of the period, with WMU getting four shots on net that Mbereko was able to turn away. However, CC was the first to strike offensively. Just over the midway point of the period, Hunter McKown fired a shot on net from the blue line that slipped by Rowe for the game's first goal. Now trailing by one, WMU began peppering shots at Mbereko, but he kept all seven shots out of the net over the final five minutes.
The third period is where WMU has found success throughout the season, outscoring opponents 48-17 heading into tonight's game. It took some time, but the Broncos found some more magic in the final 20 minutes, netting two goals to grab the victory. After
Max Sasson put two shots on net,
Ryan McAllister tried to find the equalizer, but Mbereko smothered the puck. However, off the ensuing faceoff, Washe lit the lamp to tie the game at 1-1.
Zak Galambos and
Dylan Wendt picked up assists on the goal.
It didn't take long for Western Michigan to jump out in front. Just 22 seconds later, Hilsendager lit the lamp from the center of the ice, thanks to assists from
Luke Grainger and
Cole Gallant. The goal was reviewed for goaltender interference, but the goal was kept on the board. For the second consecutive night, the Tigers were forced to pull their goalie in hopes of finding some offense. But Rowe was able to make a pair of saves and
Jason Polin blocked a shot to secure the 2-1 victory.
The Broncos remain home next weekend when they host Denver on Feb. 24-25 inside Lawson Arena. Friday's game will air on CBS Sports Network, while Saturday's game will begin at 6 p.m. on NCHC.tv. WMU has won 11 of its last 12 games and will host a NCHC Quarterfinal series.
