Broncos take third at Catamount Cup

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

For the first time in program history, Western Michigan needed a shootout to decide the outcome of its game and the Broncos responded with two goals to beat Holy Cross, 2-1, in the consolation game of the TD Banknorth Catamount Cup at Vermont’s Gutterson Fieldhouse Sunday afternoon.

Freshman netminder Jerry Kuhn played a stellar game in net to help lead the Broncos to the victory, making 30 saves in the game, then denying all four Crusaders he faced in the shootout.

Freshman Max Campbell and junior Patrick Galivan were successful in their attempts for the Broncos. Sophomore Cam Watson’s attempt was stopped by Holy Cross goaltender Ian Dams before Galivan scored when he aimed a shot into the top left corner of the net.

Since shootouts are used only for tournament bragging rights in the NCAA, the game will go down as a 1-1 (OT) tie in the record books.

“I thought we played a very solid, complete game," WMU head coach Jim Culhane said. "Our penalty kill was outstanding all weekend long. We didn’t give up a power-play goal last night or tonight against Holy Cross, the top power-play in the country. I’m pleased about the way we played defensively and killed penalties. We generated some offense and both goaltenders that we played last night and tonight for both teams played really well."

Senior Mike Lesperance scored the lone WMU goal in regulation.

In their opening game Saturday, WMU fell 2-1 to Quinnipiac. Senior Nathan Ansell recorded the only Bronco goal, while sophomore goalie Riley Gill kicked out 20 shots.

Western Michigan returns to league play this weekend, hosting Nebraska-Omaha Saturday and Sunday at Lawson Arena. Saturday’s game is slated for a 7:35 p.m. start while Sunday’s game will be televised on ESPNU at 4:05 p.m.