SAULT STE. MARIE, MI (WKZO) – Western Michigan continued their Saturday struggles, falling to the Lakers 3-2, splitting the weekend series in Sault Ste. Marie. The Broncos outshot the Lakers 41-19, but two power play goals and a short-handed score made the difference for Lake Superior.
Greg Squires put Western Michigan on the board to open the scoring in the first with his sixth goal of the season at the 14:02 mark. Lake Superior answered 4 minutes later on a power play goal at the 18:12 mark of the period. The opening frame ended in a 1-1 tie.
The Lakers had the lone goal in the middle period, lighting the lamp on a short-handed goal at the 4:42 mark of the second period. Lake Superior added their final score to start the third period on a second power play goal.
Chase Balisy pulled the Broncos within one on his 12th score of the year at the 14:14 mark of the third. Despite a flurry of shots to end the game, Western would not score again. Lake Superior went 2 for 3 on power play chances, while Western only had 1 opportunity all night.
With the split, the Broncos fall behind Ferris State and Michigan in the CCHA standings. Western and Ferris State wrap up the CCHA regular season next weekend with a home-and-home series starting at Lawson Ice Arena on Friday night.
