Broncos knocked out of NCAAs by North Dakota

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

After a CCHA playoff championship and a second straight trip to the NCAA tournament, Western Michigan's season is again over prematurely after North Dakota topped WMU 3-1 Saturday afternoon at the West Regional in St. Paul, Minn.

Kyle O'Kane netted Western Michigan's lone goal in the second period and Frank Slubowski made 25 saves between the pipes.

After O'Kane's goal, the apparent tying goal was waived off as the officials ruled that the net was dislodged before the puck bounced off of captain Ian Slater and across the goal line.

Michael Parks, Corban Knight and Brock Nelson (empty-net) scored for the Sioux, while Aaron Dell finished with 24 stops in goal.

North Dakota will play the Minnesota-Boston University winner tomorrow with a berth to the Frozen Four at stake.

Western Michigan ends the season with a 21-14-6 record, the most wins since the 1995-96 season.