KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan hockey team was upended by No. 3 Denver Friday night inside Lawson Arena. The Pioneers scored four unanswered goals to claim a 5-2 victory over the Broncos. 

After a Denver goal made the game 1-0 in the first period, Jason Polin found the back of the net for his NCAA-leading 27th goal of the season. Just over three minutes later, Dylan Wendt put the Broncos in front 2-1 with just over six minutes to play in the first frame. Wendt, Daniel Hilsendager and Aidan Fulp each got assists in the game. Despite giving up five goals, Cameron Rowe played tough in net, collecting 28 saves. 

The Pioneers got on the board first midway through the first period, as Mike Benning lit the lamp for DU. However, Polin was able to find the equalizer moments later, finishing off a one-timer in the left circle. Fulp and Wendt were credited with the assists on that power-play goal. Denver then had an opportunity on the power play, but Western Michigan was able to stop the Pioneers' attack, allowing just two shots on goal. Eleven seconds after the penalty expired, Wendt took a Hilsendager pass and lit the lamp to give WMU a 2-1 lead with just over six minutes left in the first period. As the period began to wind down, both teams would hit the penalty box again, but WMU carried a one-goal advantage into the second 20 minutes.

Tim Washe was sent to the box early in the second period, and Denver was able to capitalize and tie the game at 2-2. Carter Mazur was the goal scorer for the Pioneers. Midway through the second frame, WMU had another shot on the man advantage, with Sean Behrens being sent off for indirect contact to the head. Washe would provide a good look on goal, but the Pioneers eventually returned to full strength. In the later stages of the second period, DU would pull in front, as Justin Lee found the back of the net to give the Pioneers a 3-2 lead. They would carry that lead into the final 20 minutes. 

In the opening six minutes of the final frame, Zak Galambos and Polin were sent off with penalties, giving DU an opportunity to find some offense. Galambos was sent off for holding, while Polin received a five-minute major for direct contact to the head. It didn't take long for Denver to strike, as Benning notched his second goal of the game to give the Pioneers a two-goal lead. Just over a minute later, Massimo Rizzo added a fifth DU goal. The Broncos would go on to kill off the rest of the major without further damage. 

As the game moved into the middle stages, WMU looked for offense, with Wendt and Luke Grainger getting good looks on Magnus Chrona. The Broncos would have one last power play opportunity, as Lee was sent off with 4:05 remaining. However, Western was unable to get a shot on net and went on to lose by a final score of 5-2. 

The two teams will square off again tomorrow night on NCHC.tv and the Bronco Media Network. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. and Western Michigan will honor six seniors prior to tomorrow's contest.