KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Notre Dame suffered its first defeat of the season on Friday evening, falling to No. 6 Western Michigan by a score of 6-1 inside Lawson Arena.
Senior captain Danny Nelson scored Notre Dame’s goal in the third period, his first of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Broncos jumped out to a quick lead, scoring in the opening minute off a goal from Cole Spicer to go on top 1-0. Five minutes later Western Michigan doubled its lead, as Tommy Lafreniere scored to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.
The 2-0 scoreline held through the remainder of the first period as the game headed into the first intermission.
The Irish were whistled for a delay of game penalty in the first minute of the second period and the Broncos took advantage with a power play goal from Adam Benak to make the score 3-0. Western Michigan tacked on another goal in the second to take a 4-0 lead into the final 20 minutes of play.
The hosts capitalized on another power play in the opening five minutes of the third to make the score 5-0.
Notre Dame pulled one back one minute later. Jaedon Kerr fired a shot from the blue line which was redirected into the back of the net by Danny Nelson for his first goal of the season, making it a 5-1 game at the 5:57 mark of the third period.
Western Michigan added one more goal off another power play, their third power play goal of the evening to make the final score 6-1.
UP NEXT
The Irish and Broncos head to Compton Family Ice Arena for the second game of the series at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17. The game will air on Peacock and fans can purchase tickets for the game here.