UPDATE: The fourth-ranked Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss against the seventh-ranked Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday at Lawson Ice Arena, marking a dramatic finish in NCHC play.
In a nail-biting showdown, Bulldogs’ sophomore wing Harper Bentz and sophomore forward Callum Arnott both netted go-ahead goals, only to see their efforts matched by junior wing William Whitelaw and sophomore defenseman Zach Sharp, who each scored pivotal game-tying goals for the Broncos. Whitelaw ultimately sealed the victory with a game-winning goal in overtime, earning Western Michigan two crucial points in the standings.
With this loss, UMD’s record on Saturdays drops to 4-5, having now faced back-to-back defeats in 3-on-3 overtime scenarios. The Bulldogs currently stand at 1-4 during Saturday NCHC matchups.
Bulldogs’ goaltender Adam Gajan showcased remarkable skill, making 27 saves, including a spectacular diving glove save late in the first period that kept UMD ahead 1-0 at the first intermission. On the other end, Western Michigan’s sophomore goaltender Hampton Slukynsky recorded 18 saves throughout the contest.
Bentz opened the scoring, marking a triumphant return from injury with his first goal since October 4, following a lengthy recovery. He teamed up with freshman wing Hunter Anderson to force a turnover, allowing Bentz to find the net early in the first period.
Whitelaw equalized for the Broncos in the second period, beating Gajan for a one-on-one chance. Arnott quickly responded, putting the Bulldogs back in the lead late in the second period with a quick rebound shot, highlighting the intense back-and-forth nature of the contest.
As the Bulldogs leave Kalamazoo with four NCHC points from the series—after a 4-1 victory on Friday—they prepare to host Arizona State in their next series. The highly anticipated matchups are set for 7 PM on Friday, December 12, and 5 PM on Saturday, December 13, at Amsoil Arena in Duluth.
Fans and players alike are eager to see if the Bulldogs can bounce back from this agonizing defeat and regain momentum before the holiday break.
