Broncos still unbeaten in '11-12

By Bob Miller/Western Michigan Beat Writer

The Bronco Express just keeps rolling along.

Seventh-ranked Western Michigan swept their weekend series against Northern Michigan to keep their unbeaten streak alive at eight games with five wins and three ties.

The Wildcats extended the Broncos to overtime in the Saturday night series finale, though, before Ian Slater scored 28 seconds into the extra period for a 3-2 victory.

Western Michigan rode Dane Walters' two-goal performance to a 4-2 victory in Friday night's opener.

The pair of wins cement the Broncos standing in the upper echelon of the CCHA standings, tied for second place with Ohio State, while Northern Michigan drops to seventh in the conference rundown after their first away weekend of their CCHA schedule.

Bronco netminder Frank Slubowski was treated to leisurely stints in goal both nights by his Western Michigan teammates. The Broncos limited the Wildcats to only 14 shots on goal Friday and then only 15 more in Saturday's contest.

Western Michigan will get the opportunity to add even more credence to their fast start when they travel to Michigan to take on the fourth-ranked Wolverines this weekend in an early season showdown between CCHA hopefuls.

Northern Michigan's slate remains challenging as well, with the Wildcats returning home for two games against a solid Notre Dame squad.