The Eastern Michigan University club hockey team once again took on the Western Michigan University Broncos Dec. 6-7.
The home series, which took place at the Taylor Sportsplex, was a mixed bag as the Eagles dominated on Friday night, winning 5-2, but lost to WMU on, Saturday 5-1.
“Ellie was outstanding. He made several key saves and the team seemed to rally around him down the stretch,” EMU coach Kevin Gee said. “He is building his confidence and I am very happy with his development so far this season.”
Ellis had only two goals against in 35 shots for a .943 save percentage. Kyle Astalos racked up four points with his four assists in Friday’s 5-2 win.
Adam Pinkowski followed with three points, having one goal and two assists. The goals were scored by five individuals including Pinkowski, Anthony Stankiewicz, Brad Savard, Joe Allen and Tony Gasser. Allen scored first at the tail end of the first period. Savard scored in the second at 11:51.
Western struck back making it 2-1 with 6:51 in the second period. EMU scored three in the third with Pinkowski at 18:49, Stankiewicz at 13:41 and Gasser at 6:15. Western snuck one by the Green and White at 8:12.
“Kyle’s offensive production has been a pleasant surprise for us,” Gee said. ”He is working hard to play a well-rounded game and has really done nicely in his expanded role this season. His four assists Friday show the type of offensive creativity he has. His teammates benefitted from his hard work and the entire line was rewarded for it.”
On Saturday, the Broncos struck with an unassisted goal at 16:14 in the first. They scored again at 14:11. The Eagles scored their lone goal at 4:41 in the first.
The sole goal came from junior Mike Comben with assists by Allen and freshman Dean Gunther. WMU put three more in the net– one at 5:12 in the second period and two in the third at 17:13 and 2:28.
Goalie Andrew Duff saw a lot of action facing 46 shots. His save percentage was .891.
“Once again we were very hesitant to play a physical game,” Gee said. “The reluctance to play physical against less skilled teams has been an Achilles heel for us all season. We also played Saturday without top defenseman and captain Jacob Harbowy, who is out with a knee strain. His presence makes a huge difference with a young defense corps.”
The Eagles will next face Canisius College this weekend at Taylor Sportsplex. The games are at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 and at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 15.
