FINAL SCORE: Purdue Northwest (ACHA DII) 6, Western Michigan (ACHA DI) 1
SCORE BY PERIOD
1st: 0-0
2nd: 1-0 WMU
3rd: 6-0 PNW
LOCATION: Hammond, Ind. (The Kube)
RECORDS: PNW 1-0-0, WMU 1-1-0
The short story: Purdue Northwest blitzed ACHA DI Western Michigan with six goals in the final period to capture a 6-1 season-opening victory Saturday at The Kube.
QUICK FACTS
- Sophomore forward Craig Herman tallied a career-high four goals and added an assist (4-1-5) to lead the way.
- Sophomore defenseman Kevin Pietrucha (2-1-3) scored twice, including the first Pride goal of the season to tie the score just nine seconds into the final period.
- Senior goaltender Zander Zafiro earned the win between the pipes.
- Senior forward Cole Bocock, junior forward Brandon Prodoehl and sophomore Duncan McCourt each recorded an assist.
- Head coach Kevin Cole led his final game from the bench as he departs for a new coaching position at Norwich University (VT). Cole was the first head coach in team history and successfully launched the PNW hockey program two years ago.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- After taking the lead on Herman's first goal at 1:47 of the third period, the Pride would capitalize when Herman added two goals on the power play.
- The Pride also tacked on a pair of empty net scores by Pietrucha and Herman.
- WMU struck first with a goal at the 14:04 mark in the second period and took the 1-0 lead into the second intermission.
UP NEXT
PNW will travel to Louisville for a pair of games next weekend against the Cardinals. The Pride return to The Kube on Sunday, Sept. 19, when they will host its Black & White scrimmage as a part of the PNW Fall Sports Festival.
FOLLOW THE PRIDE
For all the latest information on Purdue Northwest men's ice hockey, please visit PNWathletics.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Pride (@pnwathletics / @PNW_Hockey) on Twitter. You can also find the Pride on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
