WORCESHER, MA (WKZO AM/FM) – Western Michigan University’s historic hockey season came to an end Sunday afternoon as the Broncos fell to second-seeded Minnesota in the NCAA quarterfinal round.
The Gophers took a 1-0 lead in the first period on a goal by Matthew Knies from the slot, finishing off a pass by Brock Faber.
The Broncos were held to just four shots on goal in the first period but upped the pressure in the second, outshooting UM 12-9 in the second.
Just 10 seconds into the third period Minnesota was put on the power play and scored shortly after on a shot by Aaron Huglen to push the lead to 2-0. Blake McLaughlin added an empty-net goal with 1:57 left to play in the third period.
WMU’s season ends with the most wins since the 1996-97 season, the program’s first trip to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Frozen Faceoff Finals and the first NCAA Tournament win in program history, a 2-1 overtime victory over Northeastern.
Head coach Pat Ferschweiler finishes his first year behind the bench with the most wins, 26, by a first-year coach in program history.
(courtesy of WMU Athletics)
