Hugh McGing scored 18 seconds into overtime Friday night to give eighth-ranked Western Michigan a 5-4 come-from-behind victory over Colorado College at the Broadmoor World Arena.
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McGing took a pass from Lawton Courtnall in front of the net and snuck a shot past CC goalie
Alex Leclerc for the game winner as WMU improved to 18-10-1 overall and 11-7-1-1 in the NCHC.
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The Tigers (11-15-4, 5-10-3-0 NCHC) took a 4-2 lead early in the third period when
Ben Copeland scored just 1:46 into the frame, but McGing scored at the 4:24 mark and Austin Rueschhoff tied it up at 6:23. This was the second consecutive game CC lost 5-4 in overtime after leading 4-2 in the third period.
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Leclerc and Western Michigan goalie Trevor Gorsuch were outstanding the final 12 minutes of regulation, with each making spectacular saves to keep their team in the game.
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Shortly after Rueschhoff's goal, CC's
Andrew Farny was assessed a 5-minute major penalty for boarding and McGing called for a minor charging penalty. Once McGing was released from the penalty box, Gorsuch stoned
Alex Berardinelli on a shorthanded breakaway attempt, while Leclerc made a couple of point-blank saves as well.
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Chris Wilkie opened the scoring at the 9:49 mark of the first period.
Zach Berzolla forced a turnover at the red line, giving the Tigers a 2-on-1.
Trey Bradley found Wilkie, who blasted a one-timer from the left circle past Gorsuch.
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The Broncos evened things up just 1:03 later when Cam Lee placed a wrister from the slot past Leclerc at the 10:52 mark.
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Westin Michaud put the Tigers ahead 2-1 with 1:44 remaining in the frame. Bradley rolled down the left side and put a shot on net that was saved by Gorsuch, but Michaud was right in front for the rebound and his ninth goal of the season.
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Bradley made it 3-1 with 4:34 remaining in the second period with his team-leading 12
th goal of the season and third point of the night. After his initial shot was saved, Bradley collected the puck, skated behind the net and put a shot off Gorsuch that went in.
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Ethen Frank answered with 1:15 left in the middle frame make it 3-2 after 40 minutes.
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Bradley and Wilkie each collected a goal and two assists Friday night, giving Wilkie a season-high three points while tying his career high with eight shots on net. Gorsuch finished with 29 saves, while Leclerc had 24 and each team was 0-for-2 on the power play.
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The two teams battle again on Saturday, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
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