Slubowski records the win as WMU Broncos advance to NCHC Championships

Prince Rupert's Frank Slubowski turned aside 34 of 37 shots on Saturday night,  shutting the door in the third period as the WMU Broncos defeated Minnesota-Duluth in the second of their three game showdown, sweeping the weekend playoffs and advancing to this weeks NCHC Championship round.

The Bronco's had to battle back in the Saturday game, having fallen behind by two goals heading into the third period. Two goals in quick succession put the Broncos in the lead by the 8 minute mark of the final frame and then it was all Slubowski, as he shut the door on Duluth turning aside their frantic late game attack to secure the victory.

It was the first game of the playoff round that the PRMHA alumnus was on the ice for this weekend, Friday night Lukas Hafner provided the 1-0 win to give the Broncos the 1 game to 0 lead in the series.

Head coach Andy Murray, as he has done for most of the season, then turned to Slubowski for the next game up.

A decision which proved correct as the Broncos played hard in support of their goaltender to secure the win.

Post game on Saturday, Murray offered up some thoughts on both of his goaltenders over the weekend, explaining how important goal tending is in these short playoff series and highlighting the confidence he has in both to get the job done.

Box scores of the two games can be found below:

Friday, March 14
Saturday, March 15

Reviews of the weekend action provide some background on the excitement found in Duluth as the Broncos claimed their spot in the Conference championship.

March 18-- Solid goaltending, senior leadership lead WMU hockey to NCHC Tournament semifinals
March 16-- WMU hockey completes sweep of Minnesota-Duluth to advance to NCHC Tournament semi-finals
March 16-- WMU Hockey Advances to NCHC Frozen Faceoff
March 14-- WMU hockey beats Minnesota-Duluth to take 1-0 series lead
March 14-- Broncos tame Bulldogs; Take 1-0 Series Lead

The Broncos now move on to Minneapolis this weekend as they take part in their conference championship the NCHC Frozen Faceoff.

They see their first action on Friday when they play Denver, the winner of that match goes to the Championship game on Saturday against either Miami of Ohio or North Dakota.

The first of the preview information on the Frozen Faceoff can be found here.

This weekend is the second step of playoff action, with the winner of the Frozen Four qualifying for the Western Regionals  on March 29 and 30 in St. Paul Minnesota.

That is the final stop on the road leading towards the NCAA Frozen Four finals in Philadelphia in April.

More items on the Prince Rupert goaltender's travels with the Broncos can be found on our archive page dedicated towards those Rupertite's playing sports at University or other levels.