Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website

Irish Split With Broncos Saturday

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The No. 13 University of Notre Dame hockey team split their season series with No. 17 Western Michigan Saturday night, falling to the Broncos 4-0.

The Broncos struck first following a net-front scramble. Ryan Bischel made the initial saves but was unable to cover the puck and a WMU attacker eventually capitalized with their first of the night. Minutes later a shot beat Bischel high and the Broncos carried their lead to the intermission.

The Irish had a handful of chances partway through the period, including a breakaway for Jackson Pierson which was stifled on the doorstep by the WMU netminder to keep ND off the board through 20 minutes of play.

After one period, the Irish trailed the Broncos, 2-0, despite firing six shots on goal.

The Irish continued to find chances in the second period but a couple of whistles against the Blue and Gold slowed momentum.

Solag Bakich broke free from a Bronco defensemen late in the period to create the team’s best chance of the period but his shot bounced off the WMU netminder’s shoulder and play continued.

After two periods, the Irish continued to trail by a pair of goals, 2-0.

The Irish started the third period on the man-advantage for nearly a full two minutes. The Broncos were then whistled for a trip at 1:05 of the stanza but ND was unable to capitalize on the five-on-three opportunity early in the third.

Bakich looked to have sliced the Bronco lead in half but a late whistle waves the goal off and the Irish instead are sent to the box for boarding. The Broncos scored on the ensuing Irish kill and Notre Dame found themselves down, 3-0, with 11:47 to play in regulation.

An empty net goal sealed things Saturday night in Lawson Ice Arena as the Irish fell to the Broncos, 4-0.

UP NEXT

The Irish open Big Ten play next weekend as they host Michigan State, Oct. 28-29. Puck drop for Friday night is set for 7:35 p.m.