DULUTH, Minn. – Western Michigan battled back from multiple deficits to claim a 4-3 overtime victory over No. 6 Minnesota Duluth on Saturday night at AMSOIL Arena. The win was WMU's ninth in a row and pushed the team to 18-6-0 overall and 10-4-0 in NCHC play. 

Liam Valente had two goals, while Iiro Hakkarainen and Bobby Cowan each had one. Hampton Slukynsky made 30 saves in net. Hakkarainen, Valente, Grant Slukynsky and Samuel Sjolund each had two-point nights. 

FIRST PERIOD
WMU controlled much of the first period, getting the first three shots of the game. Slukynsky had a quality chance early, having his shot saved from the left circle. Zack Sharp then fired a wrist shot on net that was turned away by the UMD goaltender. 

Over 10 minutes into the game, the Bulldogs would get their first shots on net. Slukynsky was there to make both saves, sending Western Michigan back on the attack. Down the stretch, Sjolund and Valente would test UMD goaltender Adam Gajan. However, nothing would find the back of the net, and the two teams remained tied going to the second frame. 

SECOND PERIOD
UMD got an early goal to take the lead, but Western Michigan was able to respond. The Broncos finished off a 2-on-1 rush to even the score, as Hakkarainen buried a one-timer into the back of the net just over two minutes into the frame. 

However, the Bulldogs would get the game's first power play, as WMU was sent off for tripping. A little bit into that opportunity, the Brown and Gold were assessed another penalty for finishing a check along the boards. That gave Duluth a 5-on-3 advantage. 

During that power play, UMD fired a puck on net that was initially blocked. However, the puck floated in the air and fell right into the net for a goal to make it 2-1 in favor of the home team. WMU would go on to kill off the remaining power-play time and get back to full strength. 

Late in the period, Western Michigan was finally given its first chance on the power play. The Broncos didn't waste the opportunity, as Valente sent a slap shot into the goal to even the game at 2-2. 

With time winding down, Slukynsky made a trio of saves to keep things even going to the third period. 

THIRD PERIOD
After some back-and-forth action to start the period, UMD would take the lead. However, the Bronos wouldn't quit, applying pressure for the rest of the frame. With under four minutes to play, the Brown and Gold earned an offensive zone faceoff and didn't waste the chance. 

Cowan blasted a shot under the bar to knot the game at 3-3. Moments later, Western Michigan would get a look on the power play. Despite multiple chances, UMD would get back to full strength. The game moved to overtime. 

OVERTIME
UMD would get a power play not even a minute into the extra session. The Broncos were sent off for holding. However, the WMU defense held firm, and didn't allow many chances on net. 

With 25 seconds left in the game, UMD would get a tripping penalty. It didn't take long for the Broncos to strike, as Valente hammered home a one timer from the right circle to secure a 4-3 victory. 

UP NEXT
The Brown and Gold will return home to face Omaha next weekend. The series opener is set for Jan. 30 at 7 PM at Lawson Arena.