Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The 5-2 loss to Western Michigan was not the outing the Spartans wanted in their first game of their last 2012-13 regular season series.

Only 4 of Western’s 18 skaters were held without a point in the game. Sophomore forwards Brent Darnell and Tanner Sorenson were each credited with one of the Spartans two goals.

The Bronco’s were good on the power-play, going 1/4. However, Michigan State was slightly more successful on the mad-advantage, going 2/5. Unfortunately, the power-play was the only time the Spartans could find the back of the net.

Naturally the Bronco’s larger amount of goals came by out-shooting Michigan State. Western out shot MSU 36-22.

Freshmen goaltender Jake Hildebrand made 27 saves, but allowed 5 goals. Hildebrand has had some bad luck in net lately, which could mean that junior goalie Will Yanakeff may get another start Saturday. Yanakeff was ousted from the starting position early in the season, but has been playing well as of late. He started both games last weekend against Alaska, allowing just 3 goals and earning one shut-out in the series.

The annual Senior Night ceremony will take place prior to Saturday’s game. Fans have been asked to be seated by 6:45 pm so that Spartan seniors Kevin Walrod, Matt Grassi, Chris Forfar, Anthony Hayes, and Zach Golembiewski can be honored. Golembiewski was forced to retire just before the 2011-12 season due to a medical condition, but will be honored as well in the ceremony alongside his Spartan classmates.