5 Shocking Western Michigan Hockey Scores That Define The Broncos' 2025-26 Season

The Western Michigan Broncos men’s ice hockey team is once again proving its mettle in the highly competitive National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), with the 2025-2026 season delivering a series of high-octane, unpredictable scores. As of this current date in December 2025, the Broncos hold a strong overall record of 10-6-0, including a vital 6-4-0 mark in conference play, demonstrating their capability to compete with the nation’s elite college hockey programs. The team’s performance has been a roller coaster of dominant wins and tight, gritty losses, making every weekend a must-watch event for the "Lawson Lunatics" faithful in Kalamazoo.

This season’s results are a testament to the program’s sustained success under Head Coach Pat Ferschweiler, who continues to build the Broncos into a perennial national power. From thrilling non-conference road victories to crucial NCHC battles, the scoresheets tell a story of a team with explosive offense and an improving defensive structure. To truly understand the trajectory of the 2025-26 campaign, we must dive into the specific game results that have defined Western Michigan's season so far.

Broncos Star Players: The 2025-26 Scoring Leaders and Key Profiles

The success of the Western Michigan Broncos this season is intrinsically linked to the performance of its top offensive threats, who consistently appear on the scoresheet. The team boasts a balanced attack, but two players, in particular, have separated themselves as the primary catalysts, driving the majority of the team's goals and assists. Understanding their profiles is essential to predicting the team’s performance in the second half of the season.

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• William Whitelaw, Jr. (Forward)
  • Position: Forward
  • Class: Junior
  • 2025-26 Stats: 15 Points (9 Goals, 6 Assists) in 16 Games
  • Impact: Whitelaw is the team’s leading goal-scorer, known for his elite shot and ability to finish plays. His nine goals, often coming in crucial moments, highlight his role as the primary offensive weapon. He maintains a high points-per-game average of 0.94.
• Grant Slukynsky, Jr. (Forward)
  • Position: Forward
  • Class: Junior
  • 2025-26 Stats: 15 Points (3 Goals, 12 Assists) in 16 Games
  • Impact: Slukynsky is the team’s premier playmaker, leading the Broncos in assists. His 12 helpers showcase his vision and passing ability, making him the engine that drives the top scoring lines. Like Whitelaw, he also boasts a 0.94 points-per-game average.
• Secondary Scoring Threats
  • Samuel Sjolund: The forward has been a major contributor, tallying 13 points (0.81 PPG) and providing crucial depth scoring.
  • Ty Henricks: Matching Sjolund with 13 points, Henricks ensures that the Broncos' offense remains dangerous even when the top line is contained.
  • Liam Valente: A key component of the special teams, Valente has been noted for his production on the power play, a vital aspect of the Broncos' success.

The 5 Most Telling Western Michigan Hockey Scores of the Season

The 2025-26 schedule has pitted the Broncos against some of the toughest competition in college hockey, both inside and outside the NCHC. These five scores, in particular, illustrate the team’s potential, its vulnerabilities, and its current standing in the national landscape.

1. Dominance on the Road: Western Michigan 6, UMass Lowell 0

This non-conference shutout victory on October 18, 2025, was a massive statement win for the Broncos. A 6-0 scoreline against a quality opponent like UMass Lowell is a clear indicator of the team’s potential when all facets of the game are clicking. The win showcased an explosive offense, capable of generating high-danger scoring chances, combined with a rock-solid performance from the goaltenders and the defensive corps. This game set an early tone for the season, proving that Western Michigan can take its high-powered attack anywhere in the country.

2. The Rivalry Reality Check: Michigan 4, Western Michigan 0

Just five days after their dominant win, the Broncos faced a tough reality check against in-state rival Michigan, suffering a 4-0 loss on the road. While rivalry games are often unpredictable, a shutout loss highlights the areas where the team still needs to improve, particularly against teams with elite speed and skill. This score serves as a critical learning moment, emphasizing the need for consistency in defensive zone coverage and power play execution against top-tier opponents.

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3. The NCHC Weekend Split: Western Michigan 3, Minnesota Duluth 2 (AOT)

The December 6, 2025, overtime victory against the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs was a classic NCHC battle that ended 3-2. This score is perhaps the most significant, as it followed a 3-2 loss to the same Bulldogs team the previous night. Splitting a weekend series in the NCHC is often viewed as a success, especially against a powerhouse like Minnesota Duluth. The overtime win demonstrates the Broncos' resilience and their ability to make crucial adjustments between games, securing vital conference points and keeping them competitive in the NCHC standings.

4. The Local Shootout: Western Michigan 6, Ferris State 4

In a thrilling, high-scoring affair, the Broncos secured a 6-4 victory over Ferris State on October 10, 2025, a night after a tight 3-2 loss. This score highlights the depth of the Broncos' offense, which can erupt for six goals in a single night. While the defense conceded four goals, the ability of the offense to outscore opponents is a key characteristic of the Ferschweiler era. Games like this are a spectacle for fans, cementing the team's reputation for exciting, fast-paced hockey.

5. Conference Consistency: Western Michigan’s 6-4-0 NCHC Record

While not a single score, the overall conference record of 6-4-0 is the most important metric for the Broncos. This record places Western Michigan solidly in the top half of the NCHC standings, competing closely with perennial contenders like Denver and Minnesota Duluth. Maintaining a winning record in the NCHC, arguably the toughest conference in college hockey, is the primary goal for securing a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. Every point earned in conference play, whether a 2-1 win or a 5-3 victory, contributes to this critical overall score.

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The NCHC Landscape and Pat Ferschweiler’s Impact

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) is a grinding, competitive league, and the Western Michigan Broncos' 6-4-0 record is a testament to their strength. The Broncos are currently battling with teams like Denver (8-2-0) and Minnesota Duluth (7-5-0) for the top spots. Their ability to consistently earn points against conference rivals, including North Dakota and St. Cloud State, is what makes them a national threat.

The man orchestrating this success is Head Coach Pat Ferschweiler. Ferschweiler has been instrumental in elevating the program to new heights, earning AHCA National Coach of the Year honors in the past. His focus on speed, skill, and a relentless forecheck has turned the Broncos into a team that is difficult to play against every night. The team’s commitment to his system is evident in their high-scoring output and their ability to bounce back from losses.

The Unrivaled Atmosphere of Lawson Arena

A discussion of Western Michigan hockey is incomplete without mentioning the Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena, the historic home of the Broncos since the 1974-75 season. Lawson Arena is famous for its "unrivaled atmosphere," largely fueled by the student section, affectionately known as the "Lawson Lunatics." Visiting teams frequently comment on the electric, intimidating energy of the building, which provides a significant home-ice advantage for the Broncos. The raucous crowd in Kalamazoo is often credited as a major factor in the team's ability to secure tight home wins against tough NCHC opponents, making the arena a true cornerstone of college hockey.