KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The No. 22-ranked Indiana Tech men's ice hockey team fell to Western Michigan, 4-2, in their first matchup of the I-69 Cup on Friday evening at Wings Event Center in Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League (GLCHL) action.

"We needed to capitalize on our opportunities tonight and we didn't," head coach Frank DiCristofaro said. "Their goalie also played well."
 
Western Michigan got out to a quick start as they built an early 2-0 lead just four minutes into the game, with Brandon Grillo putting the hosts up with just 43 seconds off the clock and then adding his second three minutes later. The Stallions would then get a goal from Niko Michos at 15:18 in the second period and chasing starting goalie Chet Tooker.
 
The Warriors would not go down without a fight though, as Nick Papandrea scored early in the third to put Tech on the board while Adam Jonak cut the deficit to one on a power play just a few minutes later.
 
The visitors would have a number of chances to tie the game, only to be stifled by WMU netminder Brandon Haase, who finished with 44 saves on the night while Grillo completed the hat trick on an empty net goal with a minute left in regulation to send the Orange and Black to their fifth straight loss.

Larson would make 17 saves in relief while Tooker finished with 14 saves. Alex Gregorich and Joe Molfetta would tally assists on Jonak's goal.
 
Tech (13-13-1) returns to action on Saturday when they conclude the I-69 Cup with the Stallions. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. from Wings West Arena in Kalamazoo.