Offense Erupts in 5-1 Win for Broncos

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – For a second consecutive night, the Western Michigan offense showed up, as the Broncos took care of Ferris State, 5-1, on Saturday night at Ewigleben Arena. 

WMU got two goals from Owen Michaels, while Matteo Costantini, Cam Knuble and Grant Slukynsky each chipped in one a piece. Hampton Slukynsky recorded his first career win in his first career start. He stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced. 

FIRST PERIOD

The Broncos came out aggressive on offense, getting shots from Alex Bump and Liam Valente in the opening two minutes of the frame. Following those looks, Ferris State tested Slukynsky. He was up to the task, making six consecutive saves to keep the game tied at 0-0 just under three minutes into the game. 

About five minutes into the period, WMU went on the power play. Costantini, Tristan Lemyre, Zach Nehring and Brian Kramer all had looks on net. Kramer rang a shot off the post and Ferris State was able to clean the puck up off the line to keep the game tied. 

As the period moved past the midway point, Slukynsky made another nice save on Andrew Noel. Kramer cleaned up the loose puck and pushed it up to a surging Iiro Hakkarainen. He and Michaels worked the odd-man rush to perfection, netting the games first goal with just over seven minutes to play in the period. 

WMU’s offense wasn’t done there, however. The Broncos went on another power play late in the opening frame and capitalized on the man advantage. Bump found Costantini in the slot, and he ripped a shot by FSU goaltender Noah West to make it 2-0 in favor of the visitors. 

SECOND PERIOD

WMU picked up right where it left…