LOWELL, Mass. – The Western Michigan hockey team secured a road victory over UMass Lowell on Friday night at the Tsongas Center. WMU won by a final score of 2-1. 

Jamison Sluys and William Whitelaw provided the goals for the Broncos. Sluys' goal was the first of his career. Hampton Slukynsky made 17 saves in net to earn the win. 

FIRST PERIOD
It didn't take long for the Brown and Gold to strike, as Sluys got a great pass from Bobby Cowan in open ice. Sluys buried a shot over the UML goaltender's shoulder for a 1-0 lead just over two minutes in. 

The Broncos continued to attack, scoring another goal just a few minutes later. Whitelaw cleaned up a Zaccharya Wisdom shot out front to make it 2-0 WMU not even seven minutes into the contest. 

As the game moved to the back half of the period, Western Michigan got the game's first power play. The Broncos got a few looks on net before committing a penalty of their own. Both teams would eventually get back to full strength. 

Down the stretch, WMU would be sent off for slashing. The Brown and Gold wouldn't allow a shot, but the River Hawks carried 42 seconds over to the next period. 

SECOND PERIOD
Western Michigan was able to kill off the remaining time in the power play, thanks to a flurry of saves from Slukynsky. Not even a minute later, Lowell was sent off for slashing. The Broncos would get a few good looks, but UML would return to even strength. 

A few minutes later, the Brown and Gold worked the game to a 5-on-3 advantage. The River Hawk goaltender made a few sprawling saves to keep the game at 2-0. 

Western Michigan would get two more opportunities on the man advantage in the back half of the period. Nothing would come of the first chance, but the Broncos would carry 1:20 into the final period of action. 

THIRD PERIOD
Lowell handled the threat and worked back to full strength. However, WMU kept up the pressure on offense, getting a pair of good looks from Whitelaw shortly after the man advantage. 

A little bit later, Western Michigan would get yet another power play. Zach Nehring and Liam Valente had strong chances before the Broncos committed a penalty, sending the game to 4-on-4. Getting a little bit of time on the man advantage, Lowell was able to make things interesting. The River Hawks brought the game to 2-1 with just under 10 minutes to play. 

WMU went back on the attack, getting looks from Zack Sharp and Whitelaw. Eventually, Lowell would pull its goalie looking to tie the game. Western Michigan's defense would tighten and close out a one-goal victory. 

UP NEXT
WMU will conclude its series against UMass Lowell tomorrow night. The Broncos and River Hawks will hit the ice at 6 PM at the Tsongas Center.