Michigan Remains Undefeated with Dominating 4-0 Shutout of No.2 Western Michigan
Ypsilanti,Mich. – the University of Michigan ice hockey team extended its winning streak and remained undefeated with a decisive 4-0 victory over No. 2 Western Michigan on October 23,2023,at Yost Ice Arena. Despite being outshot 15-9 through the first period, Michigan rallied to control the game, ultimately finishing with a 30-32 shots on goal advantage and a commanding 41-17 edge in faceoffs.
Michigan took a 1-0 lead in the second period capitalizing on a four-minute power play after a pair of minor penalties assessed to a Western Michigan defender at 5:21. Michael Hage scored his sixth goal of the season, assisted by will Horcoff and Adam Valentini, with a rebound from a tight angle.Four of Hage’s six goals this season have come on the power play.
The Wolverines continued to pressure western Michigan, which struggled with offensive consistency, experiencing two separate spans of over 10 minutes without registering a shot on goal. Michigan outshot Western 15-3 in the second period and won 16-6 in faceoffs, building a 2-0 lead heading into the third.
Early in the third period,Garrett Schifsky drew a penalty while shorthanded,creating a 4-on-4 situation. Shortly after, Henry Mews‘ shot from the blue line was deflected, leading to a goal by Adam Valentini, extending Michigan’s lead to 3-0.
With under two minutes remaining, Western Michigan pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker but was penalized.garrett Schifsky then scored an unassisted shorthanded empty-net goal with 10 seconds left,sealing the 4-0 victory.
Michigan goaltender Erik Ivankovic stopped all 32 shots he faced.
The Wolverines will travel to Kalamazoo to complete the two-game series against Western Michigan on October 24, with puck drop at Lawson Ice Arena scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will stream live on NCHC.tv as a non-league contest.
