Men's Hockey narrowly falls to Western Michigan in a shootout

(Kalamazoo, MI) - Saturday, the Rochester Christian Warriors hockey team traveled across the state to take on Western Michigan. Following a wild third period in which the Warriors turned it on; they came away with a point in a heartbreaking shootout loss. 

FIRST PERIOD – RCU 0, WMU 1

WMU was able to pot one goal in the period from Tyler Fortson. The Warriors took several penalties during the period. Goaltender Nicholas Spognardi with help from Cody Pachota helped to keep Rochester Christian only down by a goal despite being out shot 27 to 6 in the first frame. 

SECOND PERIOD – RCU 1, WMU 3

The second period saw a total of 3 goals scored. Tyler Forson scored his second goal in a row on the night early in the period. Cole Zlweski would score his second on the year from freshman Brody Vachon and Sophomore Jake Mullins. The Warriors would let in a let deflection from WMUs Garrett Walker to go into the intermission down 3-1. While outshooting WMU in period two 16 to 11 the Warriors remained behind a couple heading into the third. 

THIRD PERIOD – RCU 6, WMU 6

  The third period saw the Warriors come out firing with three goals in the first three minutes. Shaun Zatelli scored his second on the year from Brody Vachon and Jake Mullins. Followed by Kyle Hauer from Mullins and Zatelli half a minute later. Benoit would end the triple flurry with his first off the year unassisted. WMU stormed back with 3 goals over their own to take a 6-4 lead into the final three minutes of play. Kyle Hauer notched is fourth of the early season with another assist from Defenseman Jake Mullins. Rochester Christian's Shaun Zatelli tied the game with 45 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime. Zatelli would go on to be the only goal scorer in the shootout for the Warriors as they fall 2-1 in the shootout and 7-6 on the evening.  

TOP PERFORMERS

Nicholas Spognardi had an excellent game between the pipes for the Warriors making 52 saves. Jake Mullins led the team with 5 points, having 5 assists on the night. Shaun Zatelli and Kyle Hauer both potted a couple of goals each. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors are back in action with another road contest against U of M Flint on 10/3/2025 at 8pm. The team will host the Wolverines the following evening at Mt. Clemens Ice Arena Saturday 10/4/2025 at 6:30 pm.