6/7 UMD Bulldogs fall 4-3 in overtime to No. 3 Western Michigan

Western Michigan edged the University of Minnesota Duluth in overtime, 4-3, at AMSOIL Arena. The loss drops No. 6/7 UMD to a late weekend setback against No. 3 Western Michigan and leaves area fans awaiting answers on special teams and late-game execution.

The contest, played Jan. 24, 2026, opened cautiously with a scoreless first period. "After a scoreless first period where both teams put eight shots on goal, the Bulldogs jumped on the board 55 seconds into the second. Jayson Shaugabay redirected a shot from Ty Hanson on the left point to give UMD its first lead of the weekend, and Adam Kleber, with the secondary assist, had his fourth assist in the last three games." Western Michigan countered quickly, answering on an odd-man rush 1:07 later to even the game at 1-1.

UMD regained the lead at 8:25 of the second period on special teams. "The Bulldogs regained the lead at the 8:25 mark, scoring their second power play goal of the weekend on a 5-on-3 skater advantage on a puck that hit off Callum Arnott and fluttered up and over Hampton Slukynsky." Max Plante recorded the primary assist on that play; "Max Plante's primary assist on the goal pushed the sophomore into 40 points on the season – the first player in the NCAA this season to reach the milestone." Western Michigan again tied the score on its power play at 15:58 of the second, and "after 40 minutes of play, the Bulldogs and Broncos were even at two goals apiece."

The third period produced tight defensive play and late UMD pressure, but Western Michigan ultimately secured the win in overtime, finishing 4-3. "Western Michigan edged the University of Minnesota Duluth in overtime, 4‑3, at AMSOIL Arena." The available reports note that the Bulldogs "led at times and were close to forcing a tie late;" specifics on third-period and overtime goal scorers and exact goal times were not provided in the available summaries.

Special teams shaped the outcome. Team statistics show Western Michigan with two power-play goals to UMD's one, and both teams were assessed three penalties for six penalty minutes. UMD outshot Western Michigan 33-28, while faceoff control favored WMU, 39-32. KDAL's game leaders list Jayson Shaugabay as goals and shots leader, Ty Hanson as assists leader, and Adam Gajan as the saves leader.

For St. Louis County and the Duluth community, the game underscores the local stakes of UMD hockey as both a regional rallying point and a development pipeline for student-athletes. Max Plante's milestone will be a talking point at the rink and among season-ticket holders, while late-game special teams performance will be a focus for coaching staff and supporters as the Bulldogs continue conference play.

UMD travels to play the University of Denver on 1/30/2026 at 8:00 PM CST, with the next game broadcast on KDAL 610 AM / 103.9 FM. Fans and stakeholders should watch for updates on who scored in the third period and overtime once full boxscore details are released.