Broncos prevail over University of Windsor

Western Michigan relied heavily on their power play in their 5-2 exhibition win over the University of Windsor, but the victory didn’t come easy.

Lancers defenseman Derek Merlini, a former member of the Plymouth Whalers, put his team on the board first at 8:16 in the opening period.

Teammate Jon Ryan strengthened the lead for Windsor nearly a minute and a half later, this time scoring on the power play.

The tides turned in favor of Western Michigan soon thereafter, as Max Campbell lit the lamp at 14:08 with the man advantage, which was assisted by Tyler Ludwig and Patrick Galivan. Campbell's goal would begin the first of four power play goals for Western Michigan.

The second period went nearly scoreless until senior defenseman Nate Ansell added the game-tying goal for the Broncos with a mere six seconds remaining.

Left-winger Jeff LoVecchio put Western Michigan ahead just 38 seconds into the final period, followed by an insurance goal from Jeff Pierce at the 6:33 mark.

Campbell finished off the scoring flurry at 9:05, which was the only even strength goal for the Broncos.

The Lancers spent most of the night in the penalty box, earning 20 calls to Western Michigan’s 11.

Broncos’ defenseman Jonathan Lupa earned a game misconduct late in the third period after a tussle with Merlini, who was also given a misconduct.

Galivan and Campbell each tallied three points in the game, while Ansell and Ludwig had two apiece.

Junior goaltender Riley Gill had a stellar night for Western Michigan, stopping 18 of 20 shots.

The Broncos open their season at home with a two-game series against Bentley College on Oct. 19-20.