KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team was defeated, 3-2, in overtime on Saturday night at Lawson Arena. 

Luke Grainger and Chad Hillebrand provided the two goals for the Broncos, while Cameron Rowe made 22 saves in net. 

FIRST PERIOD
WMU came out fast and went on the attack, with Grainger spinning in front of the goal and burying a shot in the back of the net for an early 1-0 Bronco lead. A few minutes after the goal Omaha was awarded the first power play of the game. 

The Mavericks connected on their first shot of the man advantage to knot the score at 1-1 just under nine minutes into the first period. However, it didn't take long for Western Michigan to respond, as Sam Colangelo found a wide open Hillebrand at the blue line. 

Hillebrand skated in alone on goal and tucked the puck between the legs of the Omaha netminder to give the Brown and Gold a 2-1 lead with about five minutes to play in the opening period. 

After that goal, Western Michigan was then awarded a 5-on-3 power play with just over three minutes to play in the frame. Though the Broncos would get a few strong looks on the two-man advantage, Omaha would get back to full strength. 

Zak Galambos would go on to hit the post late in the first period, and WMU would carry a one-goal lead into the second 20 minutes. 

SECOND PERIOD
Western Michigan killed off a penalty early in the second period and eventually went on a power play of its own. Galambos again had a strong look on net, but Omaha would get back to full strength. 

With under five minutes to play in the second, WMU would get its second 5-on-3 of the night. Dylan Wendt, Grainger and Galambos all got shots on net, but the Mavericks would stand tall and get back to even strength once again. 

The Broncos would carry a one-goal lead into the third period. 

THIRD PERIOD
WMU was shorthanded for most of the first 10 minutes of the third frame. Omaha didn't capitalize on the first three chances but was able to tie the game at 2-2 on its fourth power play of the period. 

From there, the Broncos would control most of the play, but the two teams would remain tied and head to overtime. 

OVERTIME
Alex Bump would get the first shot of overtime for the Broncos, but Omaha was there to keep the puck out of the net. One minute after Bump's shot, the Mavericks were able to find the game-winning goal and earn a 3-2 victory. 

UP NEXT
Western Michigan is off next weekend but will be back in action at St. Cloud State on Feb. 23-24.