KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team used another explosive effort on offense to complete the sweep of Bowling Green on Saturday night at Lawson Arena. The Broncos upended the Falcons 5-2 and moved to 3-0-1 on the season.
FIRST PERIOD
WMU has proven to be dangerous in the opening portion of games, getting a goal in the opening minute.
Matteo Costantini used assists from
Chad Hillebrand and
Sam Colangelo to find the back of the net, giving the Broncos a 1-0 edge early.
Bowling Green would respond just over nine minutes into the game after
Joe Cassetti was sent off for cross checking. Spencer Kersten was the goal scorer for BGSU. However, the game wasn't tied for long, with Colangelo netting his third of the season to bring the score to 2-1 WMU with under two minutes to play in the opening period.
SECOND PERIOD
To open the second period,
Hugh Larkin picked up a penalty for slashing, but the Broncos were able to hold BGSU to two shots and return to full strength with a one-goal lead. A few minutes later, WMU would go on the man advantage, as Dalton Norris was sent to the box for tripping.
WMU got a few good looks, but couldn't extend its lead. A few minutes after returning to full strength, Bowling Green knotted the game at 2-2. Again, though, Western Michigan was able to respond and retake the lead just a few minutes later.
With the teams playing 4-on-4,
Ethan Phillips tipped a
Daniel Hilsendager shot into the net for his fifth goal of the season.
Cole Crusberg-Roseen also picked up his first career point on the goal. The Brown and Gold carried that one-goal lead into the final 20 minutes of action.
THIRD PERIOD
Cameron Rowe opened the third frame with a pair of saves to keep the Broncos in front by one. WMU picked up the intensity in the middle half of the period, as a
Cedric Fiedler shot was saved, but Colangelo was there to jam it into the back of the net, making the score 4-2 WMU with under eight minutes to play in the game.
Over the next five minutes, Western Michigan would get eight shots, continuing its offensive pressure. BGSU pulled its goalie looking for a late rally, but the Broncos would put the finishing touches on a 5-2 victory as Colangelo scored to pick up his first career hat trick.
UP NEXT
Western Michigan will have a week off before traveling to Omaha for the beginning of NCHC play. WMU and Omaha are set to square off on Nov. 3 and 4.
