WMU hockey players raise their arms in triumph after a goal by Zach Nehring, as Miami University goaltender Matteo Drobac hangs his head on the ice.

Western Michigan players celebrate after Zach Nehring (8) scores, while Miami University goalie Matteo Drobac (45) stands dejected on Nov. 14.

Brandon Goldner, Assistant Photo Editor (he/him)

WMU Hockey ended its NCAA playoff run with a 6-2 loss to University of Denver. The Broncos ended the season with a final record of 27-11-1 after winning the national championship last season.

Denver got going just two minutes into the first period, with a goal from Sam Harris. The team put themselves up 2-0 after three more minutes of play.

The Broncos responded with a goal from Zach Bookman, just a minute after Denver’s second goal.

The Pioneers kept the momentum, scoring two more goals in the first, putting them up 4-1.

The second period was a battle, with a Bronco goal being overturned, but ultimately there was no score change from the first.

Halfway through the third period, Theo Wallberg put up another Bronco goal, making the score 4-2. 

Denver responded with a goal less than three minutes later, putting the Pioneers up 5-2. 

Zach Nehring from the Broncos took a penalty late in the third period, and WMU pulled goalie Hampton Slukynsky. The Pioneers took advantage of this and scored an empty net power play goal.

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