KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team was upended, 4-1, by No. 4 Minnesota Duluth on Friday night at Lawson Arena. 

Grant Slukynsky scored the lone goal for the Broncos, getting assists from Theo Wallberg and Liam Valente. Hampton Slukynsky made 26 saves in net. 

FIRST PERIOD
Both teams had quality chances early, with William Whitelaw firing two shots on net in the opening few minutes of the frame. After a pair of Slukynsky saves, Garrett Szydlowski nearly put the Brown and Gold in front. UMD would keep the puck out of the net and get out of danger. 

In the back half of the period, Whitelaw and Zach Nehring had quality looks at the UMD net. However, Bulldogs goaltender Adam Gajan was there to keep them out of the goal. Eventually, UMD would get on the board with a tip in out front. 

Neither team would find much offense down the stretch, and WMU trailed by just a goal as the game moved to the second period. 

SECOND PERIOD
The Broncos took a penalty in the early stages of the second frame, and Duluth cashed in to make it a 2-0 game. However, Western Michigan responded just a few moments later, getting a goal from Grant Slukynsky to make it 2-1. 

Following that, WMU earned its first power play of the game. Zach Bookman had the best chance on net, but Gajan was there to keep the Bulldogs in front. UMD eventually got back to full strength and found another chance on the power play. Duluth would convert on the chance to make it 3-1 with under seven minutes to play in the middle frame. 

The Broncos didn't quit, getting another power play late in the period. Ty Henricks nearly brought the Brown and Gold back within one, hitting the post from the left circle. Duluth would kill the remaining time and take a two-goal lead into the final period of play. 

THIRD PERIOD
After some back-and-forth action in the first few minutes, UMD earned another chance on the man advantage. The Bulldogs would go on to add another goal, making the score 4-1 with under 10 minutes to play in the game. 

The Broncos kept pushing, getting shots from Bobby Cowan, Nehring and Valente. However, nothing would find the back of the net, and the Bulldogs would go on to close out a 4-1 victory. 

UP NEXT
The Broncos and Bulldogs will conclude the series tomorrow night at Lawson Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 PM.