Kalamazoo, Mich. - The 12th-ranked Western Michigan Broncos used a late goal to edge the Canisius College hockey team on Saturday night, 2-1. The loss drops the Griffs to 1-3-0 on the season, while Western Michigan improves to 3-1-0.
"We showed great spirit to tie the game late," said Canisius head coach Dave Smith. "We battled through some adversity in the middle period and we found a way to be in a game late. The next step for us is to finish it and get the win."
Junior defender Duncan McKellar netted his first collegiate goal for the Griffs' lone tally of the night.
Junior Tony Capobianco anchored a solid Canisius defense on the night, recording 36 saves.
After a scoreless first frame, the Broncos finally got on the scoreboard with 8:59 remaining in the second stanza. On a power play, Danny DeKeyser sent a shot into the back of the net from the blue line for a 1-0 Western Michigan lead.
The Griffs knotted the game early in the third period, taking advantage of a power of their own. After gaining possession in their zone, senior captain Preston Shupe chipped the puck to the blue line. Senior Ben Parker then sent a cross-ice pass to McKellar, who fired a shot in for his first career tally with 18:18 remaining in regulation.
The Broncos nearly answered right back with 13:26 remaining in the third period when they were awarded a penalty shot. Canisius committed a penalty on a Western Michigan breakaway and Nolan LaPorte skated in on the penalty shot but Capobianco was there to turn him away and keep the game deadlocked at one.
Western Michigan finally reclaimed the lead with 3:02 remaining left in the contest. Trevor Elias got a step on the Canisius defense and muscled in a shot that rang off the pipe and went in for the game-winning tally.
The Griffs were unable to find the equalizer in the final three minutes as the nationally-ranked Broncos completed the sweep with a 2-1 win.
Western Michigan outshot the Griffs on the night, 38-13. Both teams netted one power-play goal with four chances for Canisius and six for the Broncos.
The Griffs return to Buffalo and host Air Force in their home opener on Thursday. Game time at the Buffalo State Sports Arena is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Game Notes: Canisius is now 3-20-2 all-time against nationally-ranked schools and 4-19-4 against the CCHA ... McKellar netted his first collegiate goal in his 37th career game ... The Griffs have not allowed a first-period goal in four games this season ... Western Michigan now holds a 5-1-0 all-time advantage against Canisius with three of its five wins coming by one goal.
