Box Score KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The No. 1/2 Omaha hockey team suffered its first loss of the season, dropping a 4-2 decision to Western Michigan at Lawson Arena.

The loss dropped the Mavericks to 6-1-0 and also spoiled their NCHC opener.  Western Michigan improved to 3-2-1 with the win.

The Broncos opened the scoring five minutes into the first period when Fredrik Tiffels put in the rebound of a shot by Griffen Molino.  It marked the first time this season that the Mavericks trailed in a game.

UNO responded just 2:17 later when a ricochet at center ice bounced into the Western Michigan end.  Tyler Vesel picked up the puck and fed Justin Parizek who snapped a shot under the crossbar for his second goal of the season.

But Western Michigan responded less than two minutes later when Nolan LaPorte fired a shot over the glove hand of goalie Kirk Thompson at 9:14.

The Mavericks tied the game again at 5:42 of the second period.  Jake Guentzel got free in the left faceoff circle and fired a shot over the shoulder of WMU goalie Collin Olson.  The goal extended his scoring streak to five games.

But the Broncos again forged ahead when Sheldon Dries slammed home a pass from Mike McKee at 13:30 of the second.

WMU's Aaron Hadley added an insurance goal late in the third period.

Thompson made 21 saves and fell to 3-1-0 this season.  Olson stopped 31 as the Mavericks outshot Western Michigan, 33-25.

The two teams finish the series on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.