KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team dropped its season opener to Ferris State 3-2 on Thursday night at Lawson Arena. 

The Broncos got goals from Bobby Cowan and Liam Valente in the setback. Hampton Slukynsky made 15 saves in net. 

FIRST PERIOD
The Brown and Gold came out firing, getting looks from Cole Crusberg-Roseen, Zach Nehring and Valente under two minutes into the game. Just over five minutes into the contest, WMU earned the game's first power play. 

Ty Henricks and Nehring had looks on the man advantage, but the Bulldogs were able to get back to full strength. A little bit later, the offense found some space and Cowan fired a shot by the FSU goaltender to make it 1-0 Broncos. 

Down the stretch of the period, Western Michigan was able to kill off a Bulldog power play. The Broncos carried a one-goal lead into the second 20 minutes of action. 

SECOND PERIOD
Ferris State evened the game up not even a minute into the frame. Then, both teams were sent off for roughing. The Brown and Gold controlled most of the play, as Grant Slukynsky nearly pushed the home team in front. 

In the back half of the period, WMU got another chance on the man advantage. Henricks had the best look, but Hobie Hedquist was there to make the save. FSU got back to full strength. 

The two teams played 4-on-4 again late in the period, and the Bulldogs were able to score. They took a 2-1 lead into the final period of play. 

THIRD PERIOD
Needing a goal to tie, Western Michigan earned a 5-on-3 power play early in the third frame. However, the Broncos couldn't light the lamp, and Ferris State got itself back to even strength. 

WMU kept up the pressure, as Valente scooped up a missed shot out front and pushed it into the back of the net to tie the game. Following the goal, Slukynsky made a couple of good saves on chances from Ferris State.

Western Michigan was given a tripping penalty with under six minutes to play. The Broncos would kill off the penalty, but FSU scored four seconds after it expired to take a 3-2 lead. WMU eventually pulled its goalie, looking to even the game. 

Adding to that, Ferris State committed a penalty to give the Brown and Gold a 6-on-4 advantage. Iiro Hakkarianen and William Whitelaw had strong chances on net, but the Bulldogs would keep the puck out of the net and close out a 3-2 win. 

UP NEXT
The two teams will meet in Big Rapids, Mich. tomorrow night. Puck drop is set for 7 PM.