Notre Dame Hockey: Irish Get Back to Work, Finish With 1-1 Tie with Western Michigan

Hockey returned to Compton Family Ice Arena Friday as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish took on the Western Michigan University Broncos. Irish fans saw their guys struggle to adjust back from the time off, but get after it late in the game. However, the Broncos played a reactive game from the puck drop.

First Period

The Irish began with another shaky first period, and chalked up just two shots. Western Michigan’s squad returned from the holiday break still recovering from significant injuries, but managed to dominate the period on offense to set the tone. Despite power play goal opportunities for both the Irish and the Broncos, the game was scoreless after twenty minutes of play.

Second Period

The Irish began to find their rhythm near the middle of the second period, and Cam Morrison put the first goal of the game on the board to give Notre Dame the 1-0 lead. However, not even a minute later, Western Michigan’s Luke Bafia responded to tie the game.

Third Period

Both teams upped the aggression on offense as the action headed into the third period. Western Michigan forwards Ethen Frank and Paul Washe nearly earned their team the lead and the win. However, officials declared the resulting chaotic crash into the crease a no goal and the game later headed into OT.

OT

The tension headed into overtime, but neither team could lock in a W and the game ended with a 1-1 tie.

Game Summary

Scoring

Notre Dame: Cam Morrison at 09:49 in the 2nd with assists from Michael Graham and Alex Steeves

Western Michigan: Luke Bafia at 10:42 in the 2nd with assist from Rhett Kingston

Penalties

Western Michigan: Dawson DiPietro for goaltender interference at 03:55 in the 1st

Notre Dame: Cam Morrison for tripping at 06:45 in the 1st

Notre Dame: Tory Dello for interference at 08:32 in the 1st

Notre Dame: Max Ellis for hooking at 11:49 in the 1st

Western Michigan: Luke Bafia for roughing at 14:29 in the 1st

Western Michigan: Austin Rueschhoff for cross-checking at 05:25 in the 2nd

Goalies

Notre Dame: Cale Morris, 42 saves

Western Michigan: Brandon Bussi, 32 saves

Moving Forward

The Irish will end the weekend in Kalamazoo and take on the Broncos Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. To catch the game, stream online with nchc.tv.

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