Slubowski turns aside 31 shots in losing cause for WMU Broncos

It was another weekend of split duties for Prince Rupert's Frank Slubowski, as the Western Michigan goaltender took to the nets of the first of two games with Denver on Friday night.

The Broncos held their own against the Pioneers tying the game up early in the third period, however a late game surge by the Denver squad provided them with a 4-2 victory, the last goal of the game an empty net marker that sealed the game away for the Pioneers.

Slubowski faced 34 shots on the night, turning away 31 of them including nine on seven separate Denver power play opportunities.

The high number of power play opportunities that Slubowski had to
face through the game, was a topic that made for much conversation from head coach Andy Murray. Who didn't hold back as he expressed his concerns on the theme post game.

However, penalty call concerns aside, the third period struggles of the Broncos provided Denver with the space to claim three goals in a row and control the bulk of the play in the final frame.

Friday night box score

February 28-- Unhappy WMU hockey team falls to Denver
February 28-- Denver defeats WMU hockey, 4-2
February 28-- Broncos Fall Short Against Denver

Coach Andy Murray decided that Saturday's start would go to Lukas Hafner, a trend that has been rather common over the last three months as the Bronco's coach alternates his goal tending tandem. A change which normally comes following a loss, or when he believes his team needs a shake up from their state of play.

With Hafner in the nets on Saturday, the Broncos battled back to split the weekend series with the Pioneers on the strength of a 3-1 victory.

Saturday night box score

March 1-- WMU hockey team defeats Denver 3-1
March 1-- Balisy's Hat Trick Leads WMU to 3-1 Win over DU

The Broncos wrap up their regular season this weekend when they travel to Grand Forks, North Dakota this weekend for a two game series starting on Friday night. Success in those games will set the table for the Broncos playoff ambitions with the NCHC Quarterfinals set to start up on March 14th.

The Broncos currently is tied for fourth place in the NCHC conference with a record of 10 wins, 10 losses, 2 ties and 2 shoot out wins.

In overall play this year, conference and non conference, of their 34 games WMU has a record of 16 wins, 13 losses and 5 ties.

The results from this weekend's conference games, will set the table for the Broncos playoff ambitions with the NCHC Quarterfinals set to start up on March 14th.