Western Michigan had something to prove after losing all four regular-season games against Lake Superior State and beat the Lakers 3-2 in overtime Friday in Game 1 of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association first-round playoffs.
LSSU (15-13-7) and WMU (9-22-6) play Game 2 of the best-of-three series at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Taffy Abel Arena.
The Lakers, who are hosting a playoff series for the first time since 1999-00, led 1-0 after a Trent Campbell goal at 12:20 of the first period. They also led 2-1 after Nathan Ward scored a power-play goal at 5:36 of the second period.
WMU scoring leader Brent Walton tied it 2-2 with 22 seconds remaining in the second period with his 24th goal of the season.
After a scoreless third period, Walton nearly ended the game at 5:58 of overtime, but the rebound goal was disallowed. After a brief delay, WMU won the ensuing faceoff, and Walton scored the game-winner at 6:46.
LSSU goaltender Jeff Jakaitis totaled 24 saves, while Daniel Bellissimo had 32 saves for the Broncos.
LSSU finished 1-for-9 on the power play, while WMU was 1-for-5.
Troy Schwab had two assists for the Lakers, and Campbell and Matt Wheeler had one each.
(Courtesy of the LSSU Sports Information Department)
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