KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Freshman goaltender Hampton Slukynsky earned his first career shutout in a 2-0 victory over Miami on Saturday night at Lawson Arena.
Slukynsky made 14 saves in net, while Iiro Hakkarainen and Alex Bump scored goals for the Brown and Gold. The win pushed WMU’s record to 17-4-1 overall and 10-1-1 in NCHC play.
FIRST PERIOD
The Broncos started the game with shots from Zach Nehring and Hakkarainen in the opening two minutes of the period. A little bit later, Brian Kramer and Wyatt Schingoethe had shots saved by MU goaltender Brett Miller.
About eight minutes into the game, Miami got its first shot of the night. Slukynsky was there to handle the chance. In the back half of the period, Western Michigan’s offense started to ramp up. Owen Michaels rang a shot off the post, which then led to a Samuel Sjolund shot on net.
Eventually, the Brown and Gold would break through with Hakkarainen burying a shot into the back of the net. The goal was his second of the series and fifth of the season. WMU carried a one-goal lead into the middle frame.
SECOND PERIOD
Western Michigan picked up a penalty in the opening two minutes of the second period, getting sent off for tripping. WMU’s PK was excellent, holding the RedHawks without a shot to get back to full strength.
A few minutes after that penalty, the Broncos were assessed a holding penalty. Luckily, four seconds into the man advantage, Miami committed a hooking penalty. Playing 4-on-4, WMU took advantage of some open ice.
Michaels found Bump in front of the net and he ripped a shot into the back of the goal for a 2-0 Western Michigan lead about seven minutes into the frame. Following the goal, Miami was given another penalty. This one was for hooking.
The Brown and Gold got two shots, but Miami would get back to even strength. However, not too long after that power-play opportunity, the RedHawks were given another penalty. WMU would again get two shots on net, but Miami would work its way back to full strength.
Western Michigan carried a two-goal lead into the final 20 minutes of play.
THIRD PERIOD
WMU’s offense went back to work in the opening minutes of the final period, getting shots from Matteo Costantini and Michaels. As the frame progressed, Hakkarainen and Sjolund had chances to open the game up, but Miller was there to make a pair of stops.
In the back half of the period, Bump nearly made it a 3-0 game, but Miller was once again able to make the save. Down the stretch, WMU would get a few more looks, but nothing would come of the chances. The Broncos closed out a 2-0 victory for their sixth straight win.
UP NEXT
Western Michigan takes its win streak on the road for a pair of games against Colorado College. Puck drop for Friday’s series opener is set for 9 PM EST on CBS Sports Network.
