It was a close contest between the Lindenwood Lions and the Western Michigan Broncos in the Centene Community Ice Center on Friday evening. The Broncos were able to escape with a 3-2 victory.

Western Michigan scored first at 12:51 when Chad Hillebrand and Matteo Costantini found Sam Colangelo in scoring position. At the conclusion of the first, the Broncos held a 1-0 advantage. During the second, the Lions dominated, scoring two goals to carry a 2-1 lead into the final period.

Caige Sterzer scored the first Lindenwood goal on a pass from Zachary Aughe at 4:26 in the period. The Lions second goal came from Aiden Yakimchuk, with Kabore Dunn and Kyle Jeffers being credited with the assist.  

Dylan Wendt's goal early in the third, tied the game at 2-2. Luke Grainger and Zak Galambos were credited with the assist. The final goal for the Broncos came at 17:43, Galambos (Hillebrand and Grainger) sealing the contest in their favor.  

In the net for the Lions was Trent Burnham. Burnham recorded 43 saves for the night, several of which seemed impossible. In the opposite net, Cameron Rowe recorded 21 saves for the Broncos.

"I'm happy but also disappointed. Guess our luck ran out! My guys emptied the tank in that game. I'm so proud of my players," said Head Coach Rick Zombo.

Lindenwood and Western Michigan will wrap up their series on Saturday, January 6^th. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:10 pm at the Centene Community Ice Center.