FARGO, N.D. – Grant Slukynsky's double overtime heroics helped Western Michigan pick up a 2-1 victory over Minnesota State on Thursday night at Scheels Arena. The win was WMU's second NCAA Tournament victory in program history. 

Along with Slukynsky, Liam Valente tallied a power-play goal in the second period. Hampton Slukynsky was lights out in goal, stopping 28 shots. WMU moved to 31-7-1 overall on the season. 

FIRST PERIOD
The Broncos got a good chance on the power play not even five minutes into the game, as Minnesota State was sent off for tripping. On the man advantage, WMU would get three shots on net. However, the Mavericks worked back to full strength. 

Later in the period, Zach Nehring and Zack Sharp had chances on net saved by MSU goaltender Alex Tracy. After a few more chances from the Brown and Gold, MSU committed another penalty. This time, the Mavericks were sent off for slashing. Western Michigan would get one shot and carried 1:44 of power-play time into the second period of action.

SECOND PERIOD
It didn't take long for the Brown and Gold to cash in, as Valente ripped a shot over the shoulder of Tracy to make it a 1-0 game. The goal was Valente's 13th of the season. A few minutes after that goal, WMU was sent to the box for slashing.

Minnesota State's power play couldn't generate much offense, with the Broncos outshooting the Mavericks on the man advantage. WMU returned to full strength and went back on the attack. 

Wyatt Schingoethe and Tim Washe nearly added to the lead, but Tracy was there to make a pair of stops. Slukynsky had a shot with under two minutes to play before MSU made one last push in the frame. Slukynsky made a save on a shot right in the slot to keep the Broncos in front heading to the third period. 

THIRD PERIOD
Minnesota State scored just under two minutes into the period to tie the game at 1-1. WMU went on to get the next five shots on net, with the best look coming from Owen Michaels. 

Neither team could find much offense with two of the best defensive teams in the country clamping down. However, Iiro Hakkarianen tested his luck on Tracy late in the third frame and had his shot sent away. 

Matteo Costantini and Alex Bump had shots saved in the closing minutes of the period, and the two teams went to overtime. 

OVERTIME
Brian Kramer and Slukynsky got the first two shots of the first overtime session. Tracy made both saves to keep the game going. After some back-and-forth action, Valente nearly netted his second of the game. Tracy was again there to make the save. 

Late in the extra session, the Broncos earned an offensive zone faceoff after an icing. They won the faceoff and had some whacks at the puck out front. Bump nearly beat Tracy to win the game, but the game moved to a second overtime period. 

Western Michigan controlled much of the second overtime, getting great looks right off the bat. Eventually, Nehring made a strong play on the wall and worked toward the net. The puck was saved, but Slukynsky was there to tap home the rebound and win the game. 

UP NEXT
The victory pushed Western Michigan to Saturday's Regional Final game. The Broncos will get the winner of Minnesota and UMASS. Time for the game is to be determined.