Western Michigan have advanced to the next round after defeating the Minnesota State Mavericks in a thrilling double-overtime game.
The final score was 2-1, with Grant Slukynsky scoring the winning goal in the second overtime period.
The game was a closely contested and physical affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities throughout.
Minnesota State’s Alex Tracy had 42 saves in the game, including several incredible saves to keep his team in the game, while Western Michigan’s Hampton Slukynsky had 28 saves.
The Mavericks tied the game in the third period with a goal from Kaden Bohlsen, sending the game into its initial OT.
Western Michigan will head to the Fargo Regional Final, where they will play the winner of Minneosta/UMass.
Recap the live updates, scores and highlights from Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State.
GRANT SLUKYNSKY SEALS THE W FOR @WMUHockey WITH A GOAL IN 2OT!!!!!#NCAAHockey x 🎥 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/zCgAhoYx6P
Grant Slukynsky CALLS GAME! #BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/3NIk6thcMr
Grant Slukynsky puts the game-winner in the net!
A flurry of players in front of the Minnesota State net turns into a shot for Grant Slukynsky.
OVERTIME WINNER!!!!!!!! BRONCOS ARE MOVING ON
Puck down in the second OT!
The @WMUHockey game is now on ESPN2
📸: @CollegePucksC2C #NCHChockey // #BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/JzpeWPNhjV
Tracy saves a point-blank shot from Washe that surely would’ve been a game winner, then deflects a rebound and finally corrals the puck.
Western Michigan immediately gets an opportunity, but is unable to take the shot.
Then Minnesota gets three quick shots, one blocked by a defenseman the other two saved by Hampton Slukynsky.
Neither team was able to put one into the net, despite some very intense opportunities, including a chance at the end of the first overtime.
Some late chances, but we go to a 2nd OT
Huge save from Alex Tracy to save Minnesota State’s season.
Tracy somehow keeps out another one
14:31 OT | Unreal pad save. Chants of Alex Tracy in the building!
MSU 1 | WMU 1
Both teams have had close calls in scoring a game-winning goal, and without a doubt both teams’ fans are sweating it.
We’re scoreless through the first 12 minutes of overtime.
A slapshot by WMU’s Iiro Hakkarainen goes wide, then moments later MSU’s Campbell Cichoz gets his shot blocked by Cole Crusberg-Roseen.
Alex Tracy had two saves in overtime. Sluykynskey also has two saves.
A reminder that this is the No. 1 scoring offense of Western Michigan vs. the No. 1 scoring defense of Minnesota State.
You’d have to say since WMU averages over four goals a game on the season, that Mankato is winning the battle so far.
But it also means that the Broncos can strike at any moment, and they’ll certainly be pressing in overtime.
20 minutes on the clock, and the next goal wins. It’s that simple.
Minnesota State Mavericks and Western Michigan Broncos are tied after regulation.
This has been a punishing, grueling game and it’s going to be lengthened.
Off and running in OT
Minnesota State have divvied out some big hits to keep the Broncos from getting anything starting, including a crushing wallop to Western Michigan’s leading scorer Alex Bump.
No penalties were called, but if the refs are going to let them play, it’ll be something to keep in mind as the third period dwindles down.
Down to the final four minutes of regulation. Blood pressure rising by the second. #HornsUp
MSU 1 | WMU 1
KADEN BOHLSEN TIES IT UP 😱😱#NCAAHockey x 🎥 ESPN+ / @MinnStMHockey pic.twitter.com/3M4pVUGgrl
We’re tied in Fargo, as these teams battle it out.
Despite an early discrepancy between shots in favor of the Broncos, MSU now has 17 shots to WMU’s 25.
Kaden Bohlsen puts it past Slukynsky, who has been unstoppable all game, to tie up the game.
The goal was unassistated.
Here we go, who will move on to the Fargo Regional Final?
🔨 pic.twitter.com/9Wwpqm1DhM
MSU got a few great chances towards the end of the second period but have been unable to put the puck past Hampton Slukynsky.
It’s been a fierce, albeit low-scoring, affair.
Will Hillman nearly draws @MinnStMHockey even! 1-0 WMU in the second.#CCHAHockey on ESPNU 📺 pic.twitter.com/KRJMLlpYuE
About seven minutes left in the 2nd period, and Western Michigan has hung on to a one-score lead.
Joona Väisänen gets called for slashing.
The Mavericks will have the man-advantage for two minutes.
Power play snipe from Val 😤 pic.twitter.com/4XIEfjiIcw
The Western Michigan goal seems to have given the Broncos confidence, they are now faster to loose pucks, hitting harder and taking more shots.
And just like that, Western Michigan scores the first goal of the day, less than a minute into the second period.
The goal was unassisted.
Expectations are the teams will open up this period, so we should see more offense.
The first period has ended, and though we didn’t see any goals, it was a very physical game.
Both goalies, MSU’s Alex Tracy and WMU’s Hampton Slukynsky looked strong.
The MSU Mavericks had seven shots, while the Broncos had 11.
Another big save from Alex Tracy keeps WMU off the board! No score through one in Fargo.#CCHAHockey on ESPNU 📺 pic.twitter.com/LBs0LUl6j7
Minnesota State’s goalie has looked tough early in the matchup, as Western Michigan’s offense tries to put on the pressure.
Alex Tracy coming up LARGE for @MinnStMHockey on the penalty kill! No score in the first.#CCHAHockey on ESPNU 📺 pic.twitter.com/r4WI6Xibkk
While Western Michigan has looked like the better team, it’s been mostly back and forth.
WMU has six shots while MSU has three shots.
Western Michigan gets a power play after Jordan Power is penalized for tripping.
Broncos will have the man-advantage for two minutes.
Going to the power play! pic.twitter.com/ke7DjfTJ0O
Both the Mavericks and the Broncos are still feeling out the game.
No real scoring opportunities yet.
Here we go.
Believe it or not, this will be the first time Western Michigan has played Minnesota State.
The Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State hockey game will be broadcast on ESPNU and ESPN+ at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27.
Here’s the NCAA Hockey Tournament regional schedule.
Thursday, March 27
Friday, March 28
Saturday, March 29
Sunday, March 30
Thursday, April 10
Saturday, April 12
The Minnesota State Mavericks play Western Michigan in the NCAA Hockey Tournament today, March 27. Follow along for live updates from the game.
St. Louis will host the 2025 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four at Enterprise Center, the home of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues.
FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the AHL, ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.
The best, and most complete coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don’t miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Tags:
Get the most important Hockey stories delivered straight to your inbox.
©2006 – Present FloSports, Inc. All rights reserved.
