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Broncos Aim for Frozen Faceoff Glory Against Defending Champs Denver
Table of Contents
- 1. Broncos Aim for Frozen Faceoff Glory Against Defending Champs Denver
- 2. The Road to the Championship
- 3. Captain Clutch: Tim Washe’s impact
- 4. Offensive Firepower: A team Effort
- 5. Milestone Watch: Ferschweiler and Washe Approaching History
- 6. Spotlight on Alex Bump
- 7. Scouting the Denver Pioneers
- 8. What were Evelyn Reed’s key takeaways regarding the matchup between Western Michigan and Denver leading into the NCHC frozen Faceoff Championship?
- 9. Frozen faceoff Glory: An Interview with NCHC Analyst, Evelyn Reed
- 10. Interview with Evelyn Reed
- 11. Key Players and Strategies
- 12. The Broncos’ Offensive Prowess
- 13. Final Thoughts and Fan Engagement
The Western Michigan Broncos and the Denver Pioneers faced off Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, with the NCHC Frozen Faceoff title on the line. For the Broncos, this championship game represented a chance to seize their frist-ever Frozen Faceoff crown. For Denver,it was an opportunity to defend their title.
The Road to the Championship
Western Michigan entered the championship game riding a wave of momentum, fueled by a potent offense and consistent performance throughout the 2024-25 season. Their journey to the final was highlighted by a dominant 4-2 victory against North Dakota. In that game, Alex Bump, Grant Slukynsky, Iiro Hakkarainen, and Sam Sjolund all found the back of the net, while Hampton Slukynsky stood tall in goal, securing his 14th win of the season with 23 saves.
That win against North Dakota was particularly meaningful, marking the Broncos’ fourth victory over the Fighting Hawks this season. This dominance within the NCHC underscores the Broncos’ emergence as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate hockey.
Captain Clutch: Tim Washe’s impact
Senior forward and team captain Tim Washe has been a driving force for the Broncos.His leadership and scoring touch have been vital to the team’s success.
Washe’s record-breaking season reached a pinnacle on March 15 with a game-winning goal against St. Cloud state, securing a 6-2 victory. This goal marked his seventh game-winner of the season and the tenth of his career, breaking the program’s single-season record. He is now closing in on the career record set by Ethen Frank.
Washe has produced career-best numbers in his final year with the Broncos, coming up in big-time moments throughout the season.
Washe, a native of Clarkston, Mich., has consistently performed well against Denver, scoring a goal against them earlier in the season at Lawson Arena, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion against top opponents. His season total stands at 33 points, comprising 14 goals and 19 assists, highlighting his dual threat as both a scorer and playmaker.
| Statistic | Tim Washe |
|---|---|
| Points | 33 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 19 |
| Game-Winning Goals (Season) | 7 (Program record) |
Offensive Firepower: A team Effort
Under the guidance of Coach Pat Ferschweiler, who took over in 2021-22, Western Michigan’s offense has become one of the most potent in the nation. The Broncos have consistently ranked among the top-ten scoring teams in the country, showcasing their offensive prowess. This year, they lead the NCAA in goals per game, a testament to their relentless attack and ability to find the back of the net.
Western Michigan stands out as one of only two teams in the nation averaging over four goals per game, boasting an NCAA-best 1.97 scoring margin. This statistic underscores the Broncos’ dominance on both ends of the ice, combining a high-octane offense with a stingy defense.
Since the start of 2025, the Broncos have been on a scoring spree, lighting the lamp 99 times in 21 games, averaging 4.71 goals per game.They have scored four or more goals in 16 of those 21 games, demonstrating their ability to consistently overwhelm opponents with their offensive firepower.
The Broncos’ offensive success is due to contributions from all four forward lines.Each line has produced at least 35 points this season, illustrating the depth and balance of the team’s attack. The trio of Alex Bump, Matteo Costantini, and Owen Michaels has been particularly effective, amassing a combined 95 points.
Milestone Watch: Ferschweiler and Washe Approaching History
Coach Pat Ferschweiler and Captain Tim Washe are on the verge of achieving significant milestones in their careers. Ferschweiler is just one win away from reaching 100 career victories, a testament to his successful tenure at Western Michigan. A win in the championship game would not only secure the Frozen Faceoff title but also make him the fastest coach in program history to reach this milestone.
under Ferschweiler’s leadership, the Broncos are on track for their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a program record. He also guided the team to its first regular-season title in program history, winning the Penrose Cup by a commanding 10-point margin and earning the No. 1 seed in the NCHC Tournament.
Tim Washe is also nearing a significant milestone, as he is just two games away from matching the program record for career games played at Western Michigan. His appearance in the championship game marked his 167th game, moving him into second place in Bronco history. Washe is chasing Brian Tulik, who played for the Brown and Gold from 1987-92. With the potential for five more games this season, Washe has a chance to surpass Tulik’s record and cement his legacy as one of the program’s all-time greats. throughout his career, Washe has accumulated 69 points, with 26 goals and 43 assists.
Spotlight on Alex Bump
Sophomore forward Alex Bump has emerged as Western michigan’s standout player this season. Entering the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship game, Bump has recorded 44 points, with 21 goals and 23 assists.
As the start of 2025, Bump has been on a scoring tear, tallying 32 points in 21 games, with 16 goals and 16 assists. He has recorded at least one point in 18 of those 21 games, including ten multi-point performances. His consistent offensive production has made him a key player for the Broncos.
Bump, a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick, has already found success against Denver this season, scoring a goal against the Pioneers. He has four career points against DU and is currently riding a three-game goal streak, showcasing his ability to perform in crucial games.
Scouting the Denver Pioneers
The Denver Pioneers entered the championship game with a strong record, having won eight of their last ten games and three in a row. As the defending NCHC Frozen Faceoff champions, the Pioneers presented a formidable challenge for the Broncos.
Earlier this season, the Broncos won a series against Denver, earning four of six points in their December matchups.This series was the only meeting between the two teams this season, adding extra anticipation to the championship game.
Jack Devine and Aidan Thompson lead the way for the Pioneers, both surpassing the 50-point mark this season. Devine leads the NCAA in points with 56, while Thompson is one of the team’s top goal scorers, entering the game with 19 goals.
In goal, Matt Davis has been the primary netminder for the Pioneers, starting 36 games and holding a 27-8-1 record with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. Freddie Halyk has also seen action, playing in nine games with a 2-2-
What were Evelyn Reed’s key takeaways regarding the matchup between Western Michigan and Denver leading into the NCHC frozen Faceoff Championship?
Frozen faceoff Glory: An Interview with NCHC Analyst, Evelyn Reed
Interview with Evelyn Reed
Archyde News: Evelyn, thanks for joining us. Western Michigan versus Denver – what a matchup for the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship! As an analyst, what were your key takeaways leading into this game?
Evelyn Reed: thanks for having me! The buzz surrounding this game was electric. Western Michigan’s offense was on fire, averaging over four goals per game which made them a formidable opponent, they were also the Penrose Cup winners. Denver, as the defending champs, had a reputation of dominance, and with players like Jack Devine and aidan Thompson, they were a threat as well. it was a clash of titans!
Key Players and Strategies
archyde News: absolutely. Let’s talk key players. What impact did you expect to see from broncos’ captain, Tim Washe, and Denver’s offensive leaders?
Evelyn Reed: Tim Washe was crucial. His leadership and scoring prowess were essential for the Broncos. He’s had a record-breaking season, and has consistently performed well against Denver. For the Pioneers, Devine and Thompson were always going to be the threats, and their ability to score would be what determined how the game unfolded.
Archyde News: Coach Ferschweiler was also approaching a huge milestone. How did that factor in?
Evelyn Reed: Coach Ferschweiler is a fantastic coach,. That 100th win was a huge motivation, a win would’ve been a historical moment, and it seemed like his team took the lead.
The Broncos’ Offensive Prowess
Archyde News: The Broncos’ offense led the NCAA in goals per game. What makes them so potent?
Evelyn Reed: It’s a combination of factors. They have a balanced attack, with contributions from every forward line. They all provided contributions, and showed great chemistry. Also, great coaching must be acknowledged; they really put the team together and utilized player’s abilities.
Final Thoughts and Fan Engagement
Archyde News: this was the only series between both teams for the season which must bring a lot of hype to the table.Do you believe this fact impacts the game?
Evelyn Reed: Definitely! both teams were coming in ready and that will make the game even more exciting for everyone involved. This is a clash of titans and everyone should be excited to see the events unfold in person.
Archyde News: Thanks again,Evelyn. Fascinating insights! Fans, what are your thoughts on the NCHC Frozen Faceoff? Who do you think will emerge victorious, and why?
