Buckeyes Take First Game From Broncos

The Western Michigan Broncos gave up three goals in less than a minute to let the Buckeyes take the win.

Jared Katz scored a power play goal in the first period to give the Broncos the lead.  Matt Tennyson and Tyler Ludwig had the assists.

Tyler Ludwig

Photo Courtesy of Western Herald

The second period went scoreless for both teams, but the Buckeyes scored four goals in the third period to charge past the Broncos.

Luke Witkowski scored his first collegiate goal on the power play from Greg Squires and Ludwig.  Witkowski’s tally cut the deficit to one goal, but the Buckeyes’ Peter Boyd scored a late insurance goal to seal the deal.

The Broncos and Buckeyes will face off again tomorrow night at 8:05 ET.

Southern Sweep for Broncos

The Broncos beat Alabama-Huntsville for the second time in as many nights.

It was another close game for the Broncos, but they were able to hold off the Chargers to earn a 2-1 victory.

Freshmen Trevor Elias got on the board about midway through the first period.  Kyle O’Kane and Jared Katz were on the assists.

2:05 later, Chris Clackson netted his second goal of the year with assists from Cam Watson and Matt Tennyson.

The Broncos held a 2-0 lead until the Chargers got on the board in the third period.  Kevin Morrison scored just 5:45 into the third period.  Riley Gill was strong, making 29 saves.  16 of those saves came in the third period.

The Broncos are now 4-0 to start the season.  They will be tested though when they play a home and home with Michigan State this weekend.  The Lawson Lunatics are being called upon for a black out at the home game on Halloween.

Here is my quick recap of both games on Inside Hockey:

http://www.insidehockey.com/columns/4722

Broncos Sweep Mercyhurst

Western Michigan got off to a 2-0 start this weekend by beating Mercyhurst Friday 5-1, and Saturday 4-3.

WMU’s top line of J.J. Crew, Max Campbell, and Greg Squires all combined for six goals and nine assists.  On Friday, Crew had the first Bronco hat trick since Mark Letestu in 2006.

#10 J.J. Crew

Photo Courtesy of Western Herald

Goaltender Riley Gill stopped 52 of 56 shots on the weekend as he earned both wins.  Gill was especially good on Saturday during a 5-on-3 penalty kill late in the third period.  He came up with two key saves on that kill that kept the Broncos in the game. 

The Broncos had three freshmen defenseman see significant time in all situations.  Ross Henry, Matt Tennyson, and Luke Witkowski were all logging major minutes on the Bronco blue line.  Of the three, I thought Tennyson looked like the most NCAA ready.  Witkowski plays exactly like current Bronco captain Tyler Ludwig.  Witkowski is not afraid to skate the puck up and create offense.  He looked fluid on the ice, but made a few mistakes that resulted in turnovers.  Henry is a combination of Tennyson and Witkowski.  Henry is a good skater who was pretty good in his own zone.  The more these players improve, the better the Broncos will be.

Chris Clackson and Cam Watson were awesome on the penalty kill.  Neither was afraid to throw their body in front of slap shots on the kill.  I thought they both showed how valuable they will be to this team, even if their names are not on the scoresheet.

The player I thought was the best player for the Broncos was Max Campbell.  The New York Rangers draft pick was all over the place.  He had sixteen goals a year ago and should top that this year.  He is always in a shooting position when he has the puck and when he doesn’t.  He has come a long way since his freshmen season.

The player I expected a little more out of was Ryan Watson.  He is talented, there is no doubt about that.  He has a lot of offensive ability, but it seems like he focuses a lot on defense.  It is an unbelievable asset to have a player that is responsible in their own zone, but Watson needs to get it going offensively. 

Next weekend the Broncos will head south to take on Alabama-Huntsville.  UAH is no joke as they showed Notre Dame and Air Force this year.  This will be a tougher match up than it has been in years past.  Good Luck this weekend Broncos.

To see my recaps on Inside Hockey, check out these links:

http://www.insidehockey.com/columns/4627

http://www.insidehockey.com/columns/4641