The Western Michigan University hockey team suffered a disappointing loss in front of 2,969 fans Friday night against No.1 Miami University of Ohio 4-1.
The Brown and Gold (6-13-5, 2-12-4 Central Collegiate Hockey Association) were determined coming into the weekend, but the RedHawks (17-4-6, 14-1-4 CCHA), were able to come out with an early lead in the first period.
At the 8:32 mark, Miami’s Cameron Schilling put in a power-play goal, putting the Red and White ahead, 1-0.
The RedHawks extended their lead even further at the 14:03 mark in the first period as sophomore defenseman Chris Wideman shot the puck from an extreme angle, beating WMU’s Riley Gill for his third goal of the season.
During the second period, the Brown and Gold had come back within one after a strong goal from Luke Witkowski at the 3:46 mark. J.J. Crew picked up his 11th assist of the season, while teammate Greg Squires also picked up his 15th assist of the season.
The Red and White added to their lead at the 18:25 mark in the second period after Jarod Palmer managed to beat out Gill at Western Michigan’s net.
Miami added yet another goal with 38 seconds left in the game as junior forward Carter Camper finished with a pass from Wideman.
The Broncos were able to capitalize on some power plays and scoring opportunities, but it wasn’t enough for a Brown and Gold victory.
On Saturday, despite a season-high 46 saves from Gill and a first career goal from Mike Levendusky, Western Michigan fell yet again to No. 1 Miami, 2-1.
The Brown and Gold were limited to few chances in the first period until a two-on-one break developed halfway through as sophomore Greg Squires brought the puck down the ice into the RedHawk zone. Squires found a slot in the seam and but Miami goalie Connor Knapp made the save.
Miami took a second period lead at the 4:22 mark as Pat Cannone snuck a shot past Gill for his eighth goal of the season. The RedHawks led 1-0.
The Brown and Gold tied the game at the 4:26 mark in the third period as Levendusky fired a wrist-shot to beat Knapp at the net. The goal was the first in his three-year career at Western Michigan while Squires found his 16th assist of the season.
With 4:21 left to play in the third, Miami scored the game-winning goal after Andy Miele shot from just beyond the middle of the circle.
Western Michigan University returns to the ice on Friday when they will face Notre Dame University at 7:35 p.m. at Lawson Ice Arena. The Broncos will turn around and face the Fighting Irish again on Saturday at 7:35 p.m.
This weekend will also mark Hockey Cares Weekend and the Brown and Gold will be raising money for the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit www.wmubroncos.com/hockeycares.
