WMU News

Broncos take series versus No. 7-ranked Spartans

Jan. 29, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- It took an extra period both nights, but the WMU hockey Broncos came away from their weekend series with nationally ranked No. 7 Michigan State with three of a possible four points and their first win over the Spartans since 1997. Western Michigan tied MSU, 2-2, in overtime on Friday, Jan. 28, and won, 3-2, also in overtime, on Saturday, Jan. 29.

Both games were played at WMU's Lawson Arena before standing-room-only crowds for 3,613 on Friday and 3,841 on Saturday.

The Broncos improved to 9-12-3 overall and 8-9-3 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. Michigan State, which entered the weekend tied for second place in the CCHA, is 17-8-2 overall and 12-6-1 in the conference.

Lead by the spectacular play of sophomore goaltender Jeff Reynaert, the Broncos skated to a 2-2 tie in overtime versus MSU on Friday. Reynaert made 36 saves in goal for the Broncos, who were out-shot, 38-22, on the evening. Michigan State scored twice in the first period for the early 2-0 lead, but Western Michigan responded with two goals by sophomore Mike Bishai (BEE-shy). Bishai carded his team-leading 12th and 13th goals of the season, and his seventh power-play goal.

Senior Corey Waring scored the winning goal for WMU at 3:35 of overtime in Saturday's 3-2 victory. Also scoring for the Broncos were freshman Brent Rumble, his fourth of the season, and freshman Ben Gagnon (GONE-yo), his seventh goal as a Bronco. The Broncos were out-shot, 29-28, for the match despite a 15-1 advantage in shots on goal in the third period. Reynaert made 27 saves in net.

WMU is 1-0-1 in its current six-match stretch against the top teams in the CCHA. The Broncos play, in consecutive two-game weekend series, Michigan State, at CCHA second-place Northern Michigan, Feb. 4-5, and at first-place University of Michigan, Feb. 11-12.

Bronco hockey can be heard on the Bronco Radio Network (Flagship station WFAT-96.5 FM Kalamazoo), and via broadcast.com on the Bronco Web site <www.wmubroncos.com>.

Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 616 387-4122; daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu


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