History was made Saturday night as Western Michigan University captured its first-ever NCAA Men’s Hockey National Championship, defeating Boston University 6–2 in front of a raucous crowd at the Frozen Four in St. Louis.
With just over two minutes left in the third period, Owen Michaels buried his second goal of the game into an open net — a dagger that sealed the Broncos’ championship dream. The sophomore forward wasted no time celebrating, launching himself over the boards and straight into a mob of teammates.
“I’m not even sure what I was yelling,” said Michaels, a piece of goal net peeking from under his championship hat.
“That goal wasn’t about me — it was about this team, this moment, and doing something Western Michigan has never done.”
⭐ A Frozen Four to Remember
Michaels’ performance over the weekend was nothing short of elite. He scored four goals in two games, including the double-overtime winner against defending champion Denver in the semifinals. His heroics earned him Most Outstanding Player honors for the tournament.
“O-Mikes… what can I say?” said team captain Tim Washe.
“Biggest stage, biggest moments — and he delivered. That’s what stars do.”
🎯 Broncos Cement Their Legacy
Led by head coach and WMU alum Pat Ferschweiler, the top-seeded Broncos capped off their best season in program history with their 10th straight win, finishing the year 34-7-1.
Ferschweiler, now in his fourth season as head coach, has guided the program to NCAA Tournament berths every year since taking over — but this win elevates the Broncos to another level. (This was their first ever Frozen Four appearance)
“This team believed in each other from day one,” said Ferschweiler.
“To see them achieve this together, to see Western Michigan reach this height, it’s beyond special.”
🧊 Balanced Attack & Lockdown Goaltending
It wasn’t just Michaels doing the damage:
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Iiro Hakkarainen and Wyatt Schingoethe each added a goal and assist
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Ty Henricks and Cole Crusberg-Roseen also found the back of the net
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And freshman goaltender Hampton Slukynsky (yes — a name Minnesota fans will recognize) stood tall with 24 saves
🐾 BU Comes Up Short Again
Despite early goals from Cole Eiserman and Shane Lachance, and 22 saves from Mikhail Yegorov, Boston University couldn’t keep up with Western’s offensive depth. The Terriers were making their third consecutive Frozen Four appearance and looking for their first title since 2009 — but fell short yet again.
“It’s incredibly hard to win that last game,” said BU coach Jay Pandolfo, a former Stanley Cup winner and member of BU’s 1995 national championship team.
“I’m proud of this group — but this one stings.”
📚 A Championship 52 Years in the Making
This marks Western Michigan’s first national championship in the program’s 52-year history — and they did it in style.
They also become just the fourth team in NCAA history to win the Frozen Four in their first title game appearance, joining:
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Denver (1958)
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Cornell (1967)
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Lake Superior State (1988)
And here’s a fun twist for trivia fans: Every time the Frozen Four has been held in St. Louis, a Michigan-based team has won it — Michigan Tech (1975), Michigan State (2007), and now Western Michigan (2025).
🏁 Final Score:
Western Michigan 6, Boston University 2
WMU becomes the sixth team from Michigan to hoist the NCAA trophy — and they did it with swagger.
