Broncos Fall in Series Opener at Miami

OXFORD, Ohio – Western Michigan picked up a point in the NCHC standings, falling in overtime to Miami, 3-2, on Friday night at Goggin Ice Center. 

Garrett Szydlowski and Samuel Sjolund had goals for the Brown and Gold, while Hampton Slukynsky made 13 saves in net. 

FIRST PERIOD

After Slukynsky saved Miami’s first shot of the game, the Broncos would dominate the rest of the period. A few minutes following that save, WMU got great looks from Zack Sharp and Szydlowski. 

The Brown and Gold didn’t slow down there, as Zaccharya Wisdom and Bobby Cowan nearly found the back of the net. Eventually, Western Michigan’s persistence would pay off. Zach Bade drove the net and fed a pass to Szydlowski who hit twine for a 1-0 lead. The assist was Bade’s first career point. 

Miami would get a pair of power plays in the back half of the period, but WMU had no trouble killing both opportunities. MU would get one last shot with time winding down, but Slukysnky was there to make the stop. The Broncos took a one-goal lead into the second period. 

SECOND PERIOD

Miami scored to even the game at 1-1 not even two minutes in, but Western Michigan controlled the period from there. The Brown and Gold finished the second frame with a 27-8 advantage in shots on goal. 

After some back-and-forth action following the goal, WMU got its first power play of the game. Whitelaw had the best chance, ringing a shot off the post. The RedHawks would work back to full strength. 

However, with time winding down in the second period, Miami was sent off for slashing. WMU carried 1:50 of power-play time into the third period. 

THIRD PERIOD

Valente ripped a shot off the post to open the period, but Miami was able to handle the other chances and get back to full strength. However, just after the power play expired, Sjolund fired a shot from the point that found its way into the back of the net for a 2-1 lead. 

Midway through the period, both teams would be assessed penalties. The RedHawks would tie the game during 4-on-4 play. Down the stretch, Slukynsky made a flurry of great saves, including a diving stop with time winding down to keep the game tied.

The two teams went to overtime tied at 2-2. 

OVERTIME

WMU controlled the opening draw, but Miami would play solid defense to earn a 2-on-1 rush. The RedHawks scored on the chance and took the extra point in the game. 

UP NEXT

The two teams will finish up the series tomorrow night at Goggin Ice Center. Puck drop is set for 6 PM.