Western Michigan’s last season at Lawson Arena begins Thursday night, when the eighth-ranked Broncos host Ferris State at 7 p.m. in Kalamazoo. The in-state rivals finish a home-and-home Friday at 7 p.m. at Ewigleben Ice Arena in Big Rapids.
Lawson has been home to Bronco hockey since the 1974-75 season and is named for program founder Harry W. Lawson. WMU hockey is headed for the Kalamazoo Event Center, a privately funded downtown arena expected to open in fall 2027 that will also house Broncos basketball and the Kalamazoo Wings. Fans get 17 more home dates at Lawson this season, and the school plans special events and giveaways to mark more than five decades in the building.
Where the Broncos stand
The 2025 national champions open at No. 8 in both the USCHO and USA Hockey polls and were picked fourth in the NCHC preseason poll after finishing third in the league and making a fifth straight NCAA Tournament last season.
Senior William Whitelaw (19 goals, 34 points) and captain Zaccharya Wisdom (17 goals, 30 points) lead an experienced group in which eight of the top 10 returning scorers are juniors or seniors. Wisdom scored twice and Colgate transfer Michael Neumeier added three points in a 5-1 exhibition win over Western Ontario.
The biggest change is in net. Denver transfer Quentin Miller takes over for Hampton Slukynsky, who turned pro after the title run. Miller posted a .916 save percentage in 25 starts for Denver before an injury ended his season.
The Ferris State matchup
Western Michigan leads the all-time series 89-54-15 and is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings, but the teams split last season, with each side winning on the other’s ice. Ferris State, which opened with a two-game set at Canisius in Buffalo, has three former Broncos on its roster: Zach Bade, Ryan Kusler, and Jack Mesic.
How to watch
- Thursday, Oct. 8: Ferris State at Western Michigan, 7 p.m., Lawson Arena. Stream on NCHC.tv.
- Friday, Oct. 9: Western Michigan at Ferris State, 7 p.m., Ewigleben Ice Arena. Stream on MidcoSportsPlus.
- Radio: WKZO for both games.
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