By Sean Kelly
Western Herald
I feel terrible.
I had so much confidence in our Western Michigan University men’s hockey team going into their weekend series in Big Rapids against Ferris State University.
I predicted us to win and sweep the two games to be honest, but we almost got swept ourselves.
A shootout win Saturday in OT slowed the bleeding though. Our Broncos lost the Friday contest due to soft, inattentive defense, which lead to giving up two short-handed goals, an act that puts any team in a hole, no matter their skill.
Our Broncos have a bad habit of playing to their opponents.
I praised them for how they played Notre Dame and Michigan State, but those are two more talented teams in the CCHA, whereas Ferris State isn’t.
So when a fan is scratching their head looking at the weekend box score, it’s simple folks. Our Broncos ease up and coast against lesser opponents.
That fire and tenacity I praised lost, left at home presumably until our next contest against a better opponent.
The Saturday contest was much the same. Our Broncos came out and played lackadaisical after opening up the scoring with a first period goal.
WMU is lucky they won Saturday. They did it by the skin of their teeth and playing down to opponents will lend a roller-coaster year for all of you optimistic Bronco hockey fans.
The Miami RedHawks come to Kalamazoo Friday, leaving one option for the Brown and Gold: play how they played against Michigan State or get swept in demoralizing fashion by one of the most elite college hockey teams in the nation.
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- It’s tough to win on the road.
- Ferris is 6th in the nation in Team Defense, ND is 20th, MSU 28th.
- Nagle is ranked the 9th best Goalie.
Bronco hockey (and every team) is a work in progress. I see steps forward every weekend.
The comeback effort was very strong on Saturday and that should help them this weekend vs. #5 Miami.
Let’s get a big crowd to help make up for students who may have gone home for the holiday.