ST. LOUIS, Mo. – In a thrilling double overtime showdown, Owen Michaels scored the decisive goal, leading the Western Michigan Broncos to a 3-2 victory over the Denver Pioneers in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals at the Enterprise Center. This stunning win not only secured a place in the National Championship game for the Broncos but also marked their program-best 33rd victory of the season.
Michaels, who tallied two goals in the game, was instrumental in Western Michigan's success, while Brian Kramer contributed with another goal. The standout performance in net came from Hampton Slukynsky, who made 20 saves, achieving his 18th win of the season. The Broncos are riding a remarkable nine-game winning streak, with each of their last four victories coming by a single goal.
The first period was a tense affair, with both teams vying for early dominance. Western Michigan came out firing, nearly taking the lead when Zach Nehring hit the crossbar just over a minute into the game. Liam Valente followed with a shot that was saved by Denver’s goaltender Matt Davis. Despite a power play opportunity for the Broncos, Davis stood tall, stopping five shots to keep the game scoreless as the period ended.
In the second period, the momentum shifted as the Broncos capitalized on a power play after Tim Washe won a crucial faceoff. Kramer unleashed a shot from the point, putting Western Michigan ahead 1-0. The Broncos continued to press, and Michaels extended the lead to 2-0 with a perfectly placed shot over Davis’s shoulder.
However, Denver wasn’t about to back down. After a series of back-and-forth exchanges, the Pioneers broke through with a goal to make it 2-1. They then managed to equalize with under three minutes left in regulation, forcing the game into overtime.
Overtime was a nail-biter, with both teams creating chances. Cole Crusberg-Roseen and Alex Bump each had opportunities to score, but Davis was equal to the task. Iiro Hakkarainen also had two shots on goal, both saved, as the first overtime period ended without a goal.
Just 26 seconds into the second overtime, Michaels found himself in a prime scoring position. After receiving a pass from Matteo Costantini, he beat Davis, sending the Broncos into a frenzy and securing their spot in the National Championship game.
Now, Western Michigan will face the Boston University Terriers, who defeated Penn State 3-1 in the other semifinal match. This championship game on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET, will be a historic moment for the Broncos, as it marks their first appearance in the title game.
The 2025 men's Frozen Four is particularly notable as Western Michigan is the only top-four seed to reach this stage. The Broncos have demonstrated incredible resilience, with a remarkable nine-game winning streak leading up to the championship. Their offensive prowess is evident as they average 3.95 goals per game, second only to Denver’s 4.00, while their defensive record of allowing just 2.05 goals per game ranks fourth in the nation.
In their journey to the Frozen Four, Western Michigan had to overcome significant challenges. They edged past Minnesota State in the Fargo Regional with a 2-1 win in double overtime, thanks to Grant Slukynsky’s goal. They followed this up with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over UMass, where power-play goals from Valente and Tim Washe turned the tide in their favor.
As they prepare for the championship clash, the Broncos will lean heavily on their depth and the stellar performance of Slukynsky, who has been a wall in goal. He entered the Frozen Four with a remarkable 0.82 goals-against average and has continued to impress, holding Denver to two goals over 80:34 minutes in the semifinal.
On the other side, Boston University is no stranger to high-stakes games. The Terriers have a rich history in NCAA hockey, and this will be their 12th championship game appearance. They come into the final with a strong roster featuring brothers Quinn and Cole Hutson, who have been pivotal in their tournament success. Cole Hutson, in particular, leads all players in NCAA tournament points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Boston University’s path to the finals included a dominant performance against Penn State, where they took control in the second period and secured the win with a late empty-net goal from Jack Harvey. Earlier, they overwhelmed Ohio State with an 8-3 victory, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.
As the championship game approaches, both teams are primed for a fierce battle. Western Michigan will look to continue their winning ways, while Boston University aims to reclaim their place atop college hockey. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect an electrifying showdown at the Enterprise Center.
In conclusion, the 2025 NCAA National Championship game promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams that have shown resilience, skill, and determination throughout the tournament. As the puck drops on Saturday night, all eyes will be on the ice to see who will emerge as the national champion.
