Flashes sweep Stallions

The No. 10 Kent State club ice hockey team (6-3) beat No. 14 Western Michigan on Friday 8-3 and Saturday 6-4.

On Friday, Kent State was looking for a win against the Stallions, who swept them last season.

The Flashes scored two in the first period to hold Western Michigan to a 2-0 lead.

Kent State came out strong in the second period, scoring a total of five goals, including two power play goals, while only allowing Western Michigan one.

To start the third period, Western Michigan scored two goals within a minute of each other, bringing the score to 7-3. Kent State made a goalie change and never lost the lead.

Freshman Anthony Natali said it took pressure off of him coming in with a 7-3 lead.

“You have goals to back you up,” he said.

The Flashes added one more goal to finish the game. Eight separate Flashes scored Kent State’s goals.

Kent State coach Jarrett Whidden was happy with his team’s success.

“This is a big win,” he said. “It’s huge for our conference.”

Saturday night, the Flashes had a repeat performance against the Stallions. Junior Ryan Gregory blocked 36 shots to help give Kent State the win.

Seniors John Stefani and Chris Hourigan each contributed two goals to the Flashes’ victory.

Western Michigan struggled to keep up with Kent State’s offensive.

“We finally got our offensive going,” Hourigan said. “We’re playing more like a team.”

Kent State travels to Dearborn, Mich., Friday and Saturday to take on No. 12 Michigan-Dearborn (7-2-1).

Contact student recreation and wellness reporter Melissa Sidebotham [email protected].