Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio -- The Western Michigan hockey team fell to the No. 1 ranked Miami RedHawks, 4-1, in front of 2,969 fans at Steve Cady Arena at the Goggin Ice Center on Friday night.

The RedHawks took an early 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by Cameron Schilling at the 8:32 mark of the first period. Schilling fired a shot from the right circle and beat WMU goalie Riley Gill on his glove side for his second goal of the season. Carter Camper and Pat Cannone each tallied assists on the goal.

Miami extended its lead at 14:03 in the first period. Sophomore defenseman Chris Wideman had the puck left of the net down on the goal line. He moved the puck toward the net before firing from an extreme angle and beating Gill for his third goal of the season. Gary Steffes and Justin Vaive each tallied assists on what ended up being the game-winning goal.

The Broncos cut the lead in half, 2-1, on a power-play goal by Luke Witkowski at 3:46 in the second period. Witkowski picked up a feed from J.J. Crew and took the puck down the left side of the ice. The freshman defenseman fired high on Miami goalie Cody Reichard and beat him on his stick side for his second career goal. Crew tallied his 11th assist of the season, tying his career-mark for both points in a season with 18 and assists in a season. Greg Squires also picked up an assist on the goal, his team-leading 15th of the season.

Miami added on to their lead late in the second period at the 18:25 mark. A turnover by Tyler Ludwig led to two-on-one with Reilly Smith feeding Jarod Palmer in the slot. Palmer went high on Gill and beat him for his 11th goal on the season.

A penalty shot was awarded during a Bronco power play to Miami’s Andy Miele. Miele had a breakaway chance that was interrupted by Squires, who was called for holding. Miele tried to go low on Gill’s glove side, but the senior netminder stuffed him.

Miami added a late goal with 38 seconds remaining in the game. Camper put the puck in off a pass from Wideman to put the final score at 4-1.

The Broncos and RedHawks battle for the final time of the regular season on Saturday at 5:05 p.m. The game will be broadcast by Fox Sports Detroit as part of the “Hockey Day in Michigan Celebration.”