KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Sophomore forward Luke Grainger netted his first career hat trick as the seventh-ranked Western Michigan hockey team took a 1-0 series lead in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Quarterfinals after downing No. 19 Omaha, 4-2, at Lawson Ice Arena on Friday night.
In addition to the trio of goals by Grainger, the Broncos (23-10-1) also picked up a tally from Ethen Frank, while Josh Passolt led the way with a game-high two assists. Junior netminder Brandon Bussi made 29 saves on the night, including 13 in the second period, to pick up his 23rd victory of the season.