NATIONAL CHAMPS! Western Wins Hockey Title

This story and photo are courtesy of Western Michigan University

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – No one expected Western Michigan to accomplish much this season. The Broncos were outside the top 15 in the NCAA preseason poll and picked to finish sixth in the conference.

However, an early loss at Boston College paved the way for the Brown and Gold to achieve something great. Though the score wasn't in favor of WMU, it led for most of the game. The team learned it could compete with anyone.

The Broncos went on a tear from there, going on to win the NCHC regular season and tournament titles. They lost just one game in regulation during the regular season. Both titles were firsts for the program.

The momentum continued into the NCAA Tournament, where the team earned a No. 1 seed. The Broncos took care of business in the regional, handing Minnesota State and UMass 2-1 losses. Then came another rematch with Denver in the program's first ever Frozen Four.

The Pioneers were the proven commodity. They entered with 10 national championships and were the defending champions. Western Michigan broke the Pioneers' hearts, collecting a 3-2 double overtime victory to advance to the national championship. That set up a date with Boston University.

Like Denver, BU was another proven commodity with multiple national championships in program history. Just as it had all season, Western Michigan played its game and proved to be the best team in the nation. The Broncos secured a 6-2 victory over the Terriers to earn the program's first ever national championship.

Owen Michaels was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player, while Hampton Slukynsky and Tim Washe were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Michaels had four goals throughout the Frozen Four, while Slukynsky allowed just six goals throughout the whole tournament.

FIRST PERIOD
The Broncos jumped out early, putting the pressure on BU's defense. That effort was rewarded as Wyatt Schingoethe tipped home a Hakkarainen shot to make it 1-0 not even two minutes into the game. Washe then had a nice look to make it 2-0, but the Terriers were able to stop the chance.

Boston would eventually tie the game, pushing a loose puck into the net with a scramble out front. However, just a few moments after that, Western Michigan would get the game's first power play. BU was sent off for hooking.

Liam Valente had the best chance on the man advantage, getting a one-timer from the side of the goal. The Terrier netminder was just able to get a piece of the puck to keep it out. BU got back to full strength, but the Brown and Gold kept up the pressure.

With time winding down in the opening period, Alex Bump ripped a shot wide of the net that eventually found the stick of Crusberg-Roseen. He beat the goaltender to restore WMU's lead. The Broncos carried that one-goal advantage into the second 20 minutes of action.

SECOND PERIOD
WMU got a few great chances early in the second 20 minutes, eventually breaking through for a third goal. Cam Knuble drove to the net and had his shot saved. Henricks was there to clean up the rebound to push the Western Michigan lead to 3-1 just over five minutes into the frame.

A few minutes later, the Broncos were sent off for holding. BU cashed in on the chance to bring the score back within one. WMU challenged the goal for goaltender interference, but the referees upheld the call on the ice.

Late in the period, the Brown and Gold killed off a slashing penalty before getting a power play of their own. Bump got a great look on net, having his shot just saved by the Terrier netminder. WMU carried 14 seconds of power-play time into the third period.

THIRD PERIOD
The Brown and Gold took control in the third period, getting an early goal from Michaels to get the lead to two (4-2). After some more strong opportunities, the Broncos put the nail in the coffin getting a fifth goal.

Hakkarainen stuffed home a goal on the right side of the net to make it 5-2. Boston University pulled its goalie to try and work back from a three-goal deficit, but Michaels was there to put the finishing touches on the game. He put home an empty netter to cap off Western Michigan's first national championship in program history.

The Broncos finished the season with a 34-7-1 overall record, winning the last 10 games of the season. That included six straight wins against ranked opponents. Those 34 wins are a program record.