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Hockey Broncos end postseason drought

March 6, 2006

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.--Western Michigan University defeated Lake Superior State, 1-0, Saturday evening to sweep a Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament First Round series at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.

Prior to Saturday's victory, the Broncos had lost nine straight postseason series, dating back to 1994, and had not won a postseason series on the road since 1987. Bronco Head Coach Jim Culhane was a player on the WMU team that last won a road series 19 years ago.

"I'm just pleased for the 27 guys down in the locker room, it was a tremendous team effort," said Culhane following the victory. "Our senior leadership stepped up for us, and it's great to see our guys rewarded for their hard work. We're peaking at the right time and are playing our best hockey of the season."

WMU (10-22-6) will play tournament top-seeded Miami University in a best-of-three CCHA Quarterfinal series Friday, Saturday and Sunday, if necessary, March 10-12, in Oxford, Ohio.

In Saturday's contest, Captain Mike Erickson scored the game-winner on a power play goal with 6:00 left in regulation. Daniel Bellissimo made 31 saves to record his second shutout of the season, earning Perani Cup No. 1 Star of the Game honors in the process.

WMU lost all four regular season games to LSSU by a combined 23-2 count.

Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, (269) 387-4138, daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu

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