- Western Michigan University (WMU) won its first NCAA hockey championship on April 12.
- The Broncos defeated Boston University 6-2 in St. Louis.
- This is WMU’s first national title in any sport since 1965.
- Freshman goalie Hampton Slukynsky made 24 saves in the victory.
- Fans celebrated across Kalamazoo, with watch parties and street festivities.
Western Michigan Makes History with First NCAA Hockey Championship
Western Michigan University (WMU) achieved a historic milestone on Saturday, April 12, by winning its first NCAA hockey championship. The Broncos defeated Boston University (BU) 6-2 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, marking the culmination of a dream season for the program. This victory is not only a first for WMU hockey but also the university’s first national championship in any sport since 1965.
Dominant Performance in the Championship Game
From the opening faceoff, the Broncos showcased their determination to make history. WMU never trailed in the game, with standout performances from key players propelling the team to victory. Freshman goalie Hampton Slukynsky made 24 saves, while Max Michaels, who was named the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player, scored twice. Additional goals came from Iiro Hakkarainen, Wyatt Schingoethe, Ty Henricks, and Cole Crusberg-Roseen.
Boston University, a five-time national champion, struggled to keep up despite goals from Cole Eiserman and Shane Lachance. The Terriers had two potential goals disallowed after video reviews, further tipping the momentum in WMU’s favor. “We weren’t going to lose that hockey game, no chance,” WMU head coach Pat Ferschweiler said moments after the final horn.
A Season of Milestones
The championship win capped off a record-breaking season for the Broncos, who finished with a 34-7-1 record. WMU entered the Frozen Four as the top seed and defeated defending champion Denver in the semifinals with a thrilling 3-2 double-overtime victory. Michaels was instrumental in that game as well, scoring the game-winning goal just 26 seconds into the second overtime period.
“This group of young men believed in themselves from start to finish,” Ferschweiler said. “The pride I feel in this program and to see it reach new heights is indescribable.” The victory also made WMU the fourth team in NCAA history to win the championship in its first title game appearance, joining Denver (1958), Cornell (1967), and Lake Superior State (1988).
Celebrations in St. Louis and Kalamazoo
The Broncos’ victory was met with jubilation both in St. Louis and back home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. While the game was played at a neutral site, WMU fans filled the stands, creating a home-game atmosphere. The university hosted a watch party at Read Fieldhouse, where hundreds of fans gathered to cheer on their team. Local bars and restaurants, including Niskers Char-Grill & Slap Shot Hockey Bar, were packed with supporters celebrating the historic win.
In the streets of Kalamazoo, the celebrations turned rowdy, with students lighting couches on fire in the Fraternity Village Drive area. Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were on hand to extinguish the fires and maintain order. Despite the chaos, the overwhelming sentiment was one of pride and excitement. “This is the first time in my life that Western’s really ever won anything,” said one student. “I just can’t even explain the feeling.”
Historical Context and Future Prospects
WMU’s championship win is its first national title in any sport since the men’s cross-country team won back-to-back titles in 1964 and 1965. The hockey program, which has been in existence for 52 years, now joins an elite group of Michigan-based teams to win the NCAA hockey championship. The victory also marks the third time a Michigan team has won the title in St. Louis, following Michigan State in 2007 and Michigan Tech in 1975.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for WMU hockey. With a strong core of players and Ferschweiler at the helm, the program is poised to build on this historic success. “We knew this team had something special,” Ferschweiler said. “This is just the beginning.”
The Broncos’ journey to the championship is a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and belief in their abilities. From the players on the ice to the fans in the stands and back home, the entire Western Michigan community came together to celebrate a moment that will be remembered for generations. As the team basks in the glory of its first national title, the city of Kalamazoo and the university can take pride in this monumental achievement.