KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan hockey team dropped the opening game of its NCHC Quarterfinal series against Colorado College Friday night inside Lawson Arena. Colorado College was able to score three third-period goals to edge the Broncos, 3-1. 

Ryan McAllister put the Broncos ahead 1-0 in the first period, with assists going to Jason Polin and Max Sasson. However, the Tigers scored three goals in under a minute to claim the victory on the opening night of the series. 

Polin had a great look out front early in the game, but Tigers goalie Kaidan Mbereko set the tone in net early. The WMU offense was determined in the opening minutes to make its presence known, getting some good looks out front, including a shot from Dylan Wendt that was sent away. The two teams played pretty even as the game crossed over the halfway point of the first period, but a Tigers penalty would give Western Michigan it's best chance of the night. 

Noah Prokop was sent to the box for tripping, and WMU didn't waste time, with their first shot finding the back of the net just 22 seconds into the man advantage. McAllister ripped a shot from the point that lit the lamp, thanks to assists from Polin and Sasson. As the period continued to wind down, each team would get one more shot on net to conclude the period. 

Early in the second frame, Colorado College got a chance on the power play with Chad Hillebrand being sent off for indirect contact to the head. However, WMU wouldn't allow the Tigers to get a shot during the minor penalty. Moments after that penalty ended, CC's Matthew Gleason was given a game misconduct, which put the Broncos on a 5-minute power play. In that time, Western Michigan would fire six shots on net, but Mbereko was able to stand tall and get the Tigers back to full strength. 

Neither team found much offensive momentum in the late stages of the second period, but Hugh Larkin and Wendt were able to get chances on the Tigers' goaltender with under two minutes to play. Mbereko kept CC within one as the game moved to the final period. 

The Broncos' offense had some pace coming into the third frame, as WMU fired five of the first seven shots of the period. Nothing would find the back of the net, and eventually Zak Galambos would earn a trip to the penalty box for tripping. Cameron Rowe made three saves, and Western Michigan was able to get back to full strength midway through the third period. 

From there, it was all Colorado College, as the Tigers found the back of the net three times in under a minute to take a 3-1 lead late in the final period. Logan Will tied the game and Tyler Coffey put the Tigers in front 40 seconds later. Aidan Fulp was then sent to the box for kneeing, and Hunter McKown blasted home CC's third and final goal of the night. 

Western Michigan pulled its goalie with about three minutes to play and tried to find a pair of goals to tie the game. McAllister would find the best look for WMU, but Mbereko was able to keep the Broncos off the board in the final two periods to secure the 3-1 victory.

The two teams will battle again tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at Lawson Arena. The Broncos will need to win the next two games to advance to the NCHC Frozen Faceoff. If the Tigers win, the series will be over, and Colorado College will advance to the semifinal in St. Paul, Minn.