WORCESTER, Mass. - The Northeastern men's ice hockey team (25-13-1) got a late game-tying goal with just under four minutes to play in regulation, but Western Michigan (26-11-1) was able to answer back early in overtime to take the victory in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.
The Broncos came out dominant to open the game, controlling the first period and tallying a goal - the Huskies battled back in the final two to force overtime at the DCU Center. The Broncos got on the board first with a goal 14:01 into the first period. A pass from the neutral zone created a two-on-one in the Northeastern defensive zone and the shot rang off the inside of the crossbar.
Gunnarwolfe Fontaine drew a hooking call on fast break 5:17 into the second period for Northeastern's first power play but the Huskies couldn't convert.
After not finding shots in the first, Northeastern fired 10 shots on frame in the second, gaining some momentum entering the third.
The Huskies finally got on the board 16:40 into the third as Aidan McDonough collected a turnover from Sam Colangelo who kept the attempted clear in the zone. McDonough dangled and brought the puck to the net, and his initial shot was saved by Brandon Bussi but he was able to sneak his rebound past the pads to force overtime.
In overtime, Devon Levi appeared to make an acrobatic save coming back into his crease to keep the game going, but after a review, it was ruled a good goal and a Western Michigan win.
It was Northeastern's first NCAA tournament game to go to overtime since the 1994 tournament. The Huskies fell to Lake Superior State in their NCAA First Round game.
Northeastern ends the season outscoring its opponents 43-16 in the third period of games.
