KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan dropped its series finale against Omaha, 4-1, on Saturday night at Lawson Arena. 

Zaccharya Wisdom scored the lone WMU goal, while Hampton Slukynsky made 21 saves in the setback. 

FIRST PERIOD
WMU got an early chance on the power play and threw three shots on net. However, Omaha did well to handle the chances and got back to full strength. Minutes later, Western Michigan would get another chance on the man advantage. After one shot on net, the Broncos would get a penalty of their own. 

After getting their skater back, the Mavericks would score to jump out in front 1-0. After a few more quality chances from the Brown and Gold, Omaha would get another power play. This time, however, the Broncos were up to the task. The Mavericks carried a one-goal lead into the second period. 

SECOND PERIOD
The second 20 minutes was spent with multiple minutes in the box by both teams. The Brown and Gold were assessed two penalties in the opening two minutes of the period. However, the Broncos did well to limit the chances and got back to full strength. 

It wasn't long after that before the Brown and Gold were given another penalty. Western Michigan didn't need all five skaters to tie the game, as Wisdom took the puck coast to coast and ripped a shot under the bar to knot the game at 1-1. 

Despite killing off another penalty, the Brown and Gold were sent right back to the box. As it did the previous times, WMU got the kill and got back to 5-on-5 hockey. With under seven minutes to play in the frame, the Broncos were finally given some time on the man advantage. Even with multiple strong looks, the Mavericks got back to even strength. 

Late in the period, Omaha was able to take a 2-1 lead, scoring on an odd-man rush. Then, with about a minute to play, WMU was assessed another penalty. Omaha carried 50 seconds of power-play time to the third period. 

THIRD PERIOD
WMU killed off the remaining time on the Omaha power play, but Omaha would strike off of a faceoff to take a 3-1 lead just over three minutes into the final period. 

After a missed chance from Ty Henricks, the Mavericks were sent off for holding. WMU would generate four chances on the power play, but Omaha would get back to full strength. After that, Omaha earned another opportunity on the man advantage. 

WMU allowed just one shot and got back to full strength. With time winding down, the Broncos pulled their goaltender and got a shot on the power play. Playing 6-on-4, Liam Valente had multiple looks on net. In the end, Omaha would find the empty net and close out a 4-1 victory. 

UP NEXT
WMU will travel to Miami (OH) next weekend for a pair of games. The series opener is set for Feb. 6 at 7 PM.