KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The fifth-ranked Western Michigan hockey team dropped an exhibition game to #6 Wisconsin by a score of 4-0 on Saturday evening at Lawson Arena.
Playing a young lineup which featured seven true freshmen, the Broncos held a shot advantage through 40 minutes before ultimately getting clipped in the final frame, 34-33. Sophomore goaltender
Gavin Moffatt made 30 stops for the Brown and Gold. The WMU penalty kill which has killed off 18-of-19 (94.7%) opponent power plays through the first five regular season games carried over into exhibition play, as it held the Badgers off of the board in four opportunities.
The first period featured little action until the latter stages of the frame. Western Michigan had the first power play opportunity of the night, but surrendered a shorthanded goal with just under five minutes remaining in the opening frame. The Broncos had another chance with the man advantage in the final minutes, but trailed 1-0 after one.
WMU's power play carried over into the early portion of the second period, but was ultimately turned away. The visitors doubled their advantage at the 5:18 mark of the second, and then stretched it to 3-0 just past the halfway mark of the frame. The Broncos had a few good chances on the power play towards the end of the second, but trailed 3-0 heading into the third.
The Bronco penalty kill went back to work in the third, killing off back-to-back Wisconsin power plays. The Badgers ultimately tallied the contest's fourth and final goal with just over three minutes remaining.
Western Michigan resumes non-conference play next week as it welcomes Long Island to Lawson Arena for a two-game series. The Broncos open the series against the Sharks on Thursday night at 7 pm.
The 2026-27 campaign marks the Final Season at historic Lawson Arena for Western Michigan hockey. Named after the founding father of the program, Harry W. Lawson, the arena has been home to Bronco hockey since the 1974-75 season. All throughout the 2026-27 season, WMU hockey will be celebrating its five-plus decades at Lawson Arena with special events, promotions and 'Fan Friday' giveaways. Secure your tickets and help us celebrate the Final Season at Lawson Arena by going to
wmubroncos.com/tickets.
