Broncos Never Trail, Defeat Boston 6-2 for NCAA Hockey Title

**ENTERPRISE ARENA- St. Louis, MO**

Western Michigan Broncos name is teched in NCAA hockey royalty after a dominating 3rd period to pull away against the Terriers of Boston University Saturday night to a 6-2 National Championship victory in front of a raucous, ravenous and rabid pro WMU crowd.

Western Michigan wins its first ever national title in hockey. Incredible run by the Broncos. pic.twitter.com/H7nf0M3TrD

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) April 13, 2025

First Period: Setting the Tone

The Broncos wasted no time asserting their presence. Cole Crusberg-Roseen opened the scoring, energizing the WMU faithful who had traveled to witness this historic moment. Boston University responded with a goal from Shane Lachance, leveling the score. However, WMU’s relentless offensive pressure paid off as Ty Henricks restored their lead, ending the first period with a 2-1 advantage.

Second Period: Building Momentum

The second period saw WMU extend their lead with goals from Iiro Hakkarainen and Wyatt Schingoethe. Hakkarainen’s goal, a result of precise passing and teamwork, highlighted the Broncos’ offensive prowess. Schingoethe’s contribution further demoralized the Terriers, who struggled to find answers against WMU’s well-organized defense.

Third Period: Sealing the Victory

Boston University attempted a comeback, with Cole Eiserman narrowing the gap to 4-2. However, WMU’s Owen Michaels delivered a masterclass in clutch performance, scoring two goals in the final minutes to seal the victory. Michaels, who was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, cementing his place in WMU hockey lore. Iiro Hakkarainen would make it 5-2 at the 16:02 mark, assisted by Schingoethe and Washe sending the Bronco faithful into a frenzy as the inevitable was now undeniable–the Broncos of Western Michigan ARE the 2025 NCAA Division I Hockey Champions. As expected, Boston pulled their goalie as Michaels fittingly buried the final goal of the game and season via the empty netter at 17:52 point.

WMU’s defense, led by freshman phenom netminder Hampton Slukynsky, was impenetrable, allowing only six goals throughout the entire tournament. The Broncos’ offense was equally impressive, with Michaels scoring four goals during the Frozen Four. The team’s resilience and teamwork were evident as they outplayed Boston University in every aspect of the game. Hampton turned away 24 of 26 shots and proved why the LA Kings took him as early in his career as they have. For his efforts, he was named the Most Outstanding goalie of the tournament.

Broncos captain Tim Washe, along with teammate and Pittsburgh Penguins draft Joona Vaisanen, were also named to the All-Tournament Team. Finishing at 34-7-1 and a 10-game win streak marks a historic moment for WMU hockey, as the team not only claimed its first national championship but also proved that hard work and determination can overcome any odds. The Broncos’ journey from preseason underdogs to national champions will be remembered as one of the most inspiring stories in college hockey.

ARRIVING IN STYLE 😎#BroncosReign pic.twitter.com/IgyIoxgBEk

— WMU Hockey (@WMUHockey) April 13, 2025

Written From the POV as a Bronco Alumni

I feel like this was the culmination of what this program has been slowly building since my days as a Kalamazoo student in 2008-2011 where a group of CCHA players mostly home grown with a new head coach (Jeff Blashill) went from unknown to ranked, playoff bound and multiple All Americans lead by eventual NHL defenseman and Detroit Red Wings, Danny DeKeyser. Almost 20 years since that rise to notice has now culminated in a rise to greatness.

The group texts I was in and other messages that poured in after we had won Thursday night in another, 2OT classic thriller against NCHC foe Denver, put me in waves of nostalgia. We recounted endless memories of ourselves on campus watching those early NCAA playoff games, the insanity that is Lawson arena and the Lunatics and how crazy is it to think we would then meet up at house parties later that night and socialize like any other classmate. Now, the program is a national powerhouse and had been knocking on the door for the last handful of years by competing with and even beating their Big Ten instate rivals, MSU and Michigan. As they’ve navigated the NCHC after years of CCHA history, WMU has done it without spending a single dollar on NIL. When I heard that, my jaw hit the floor. I would be unequivocally shocked if that doesn’t change this offseason if they wish to not lose this momentum and success and boy, do they have that by the boatload. They battled some of the best teams along the way, tallying 3 wins out of 4 games against Denver including eliminating them in Thursday’s semifinal, effectively ending their defending champion status, saw ASU late in the season, lost to MSU in OT in the GLIAC showcase, beat Michigan, and stood tall in the NCHC tournament.

We as Bronco alumni are in total awe and disbelief but this team has rallied a community into a frenzy of pride and boastfulness of a season that will never be forgotten. What a way to lead into the offseason as they continue to construct their new arena in downtown Kalamazoo that will be state-of-the-art. Before we become lost at potential roster and/or staffing changes that are almost assuredly to occur, let’s cherish this and embrace it. 60 years WMU has gone without a National Championship since the mid 1960s when the cross-country team won two titles. However, that program has been long gone. Move over Big Ten and enjoy the view from the back seat. There’s a new sheriff is in town, and they have the hardware to prove.

#GoBroncos #FightOn #LawsonLunatics #BrownAndGold

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Hockey Champions — your Western Michigan Broncos!