Hockey Travels to Grand Rapids for Great Lakes Invitational – Western Michigan University Athletics

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan enters the Great Lakes Invitational looking to bring home its sixth title in program history. WMU won the 2022 GLI, which was its last appearance in the tournament. The Broncos open play on Dec. 29 against Michigan Tech at 3:30 PM. The entire tournament is being played at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. 

LAST TIME OUT

The Broncos picked up a series win over No. 2 Denver, taking four of a possible six points. Alex Bump, Matteo Costantini, Zack Sharp, Grant Slukynksy and Tim Washe each had goals in the series. 

GREAT SUCCESS AT THE GLI

The Broncos have been outstanding in the Great Lakes Invitational over the years, winning the title in each of the team’s last four appearances. The program has five GLI titles all-time ( 2022, 2021, 2016, 2013 and 1986). 

WMU’s last title came back in 2022. The Brown and Gold outscored opponents 16-3 in that tournament. Jason Polin scored six goals en route to earning tournament MVP. 

Along with Western Michigan, this year’s field includes, Michigan State, Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan. MSU is ranked No. 1 in the nation, while MTU is receiving votes in the national polls. 

RESURGENT ROWE

Utilizing his final year of college eligibility, Cameron Rowe has been sensational for the Broncos between the pipes so far this season. 

In seven starts, Rowe is 7-0-0 with a 1.56 goals against average and. 941 save percentage. He is top five in the nation in both GAA and save percentage. 

The Wilmette, Ill. native has 61 wins in his career, 50 of which have come at WMU. His 61 victories are the most among active NCAA goaltenders. 

DEFENSE LEADS THE WAY

Known for its offensive prowess over the last few seasons, WMU has created a strong defensive identity this year. The Broncos are allowing 1.79 goals per game, which is good for the third best scoring defense in the nation. 

Goaltending and blocked shots have played a role in that, as the Brown and Gold have two goaltenders in the top five in the NCAA in save percentage so far this season. WMU also leads the NCHC in blocked shots with an average of 12.29 per game. 

KILLIN’ IT

Western Michigan is one of the least penalized teams in the nation, spending just over seven minutes per game in the penalty box. 

However, when the Broncos are sent off, opponents have had a tough time finding the back of the net. WMU’s PK percentage sits at 90 percent entering the weekend. That mark is good for fifth in the nation. 

The Brown and Gold haven’t allowed a power play goal since mid-November against Minnesota Duluth. WMU has killed off its last 20 penalties, allowing just four power play goals so far this season. 

SAVVY SOPHOMORES

The Broncos have relied heavily on the sophomore class this season, getting productive play from the likes of Grant Slukynsky, Alex Bump, Owen Michaels and Cole Crusberg-Roseen. 

Slukynsky has led the second-year group, totaling 12 points in 14 games. Bump has added five goals and six assists, while Michaels is sitting at six goals and three assists. 

Crusberg-Roseen has spearheaded a strong defensive core, entering the GLI with five points and a team-leading 21 blocked shots. 

The talented sophomore class has WMU sitting in the top eight in the nation in both scoring offense and scoring defense. 

TAKING ONE FOR THE TEAM

Blocking shots has become a strong point for the 2024-25 Broncos, as the team leads the NCHC with 12.29 blocks per game. 

Every regular on defense has at least eight blocks this season, with Cole Crusberg-Roseen leading the way at 21. Brian Kramer is just behind at 19 in 14 games played. 

Those blocked shots have helped create one of the best scoring defenses in the country, as WMU sits at No. 3 in the nation entering Sunday’s action. The Brown and Gold are allowing under 2.00 goals per game. The Broncos are the only team in the NCHC to allow fewer than 2.00 goals per game. 

SCOUTING THE HUSKIES

Michigan Tech has lost just once in its last six games, collecting a 3-1-2 record in that stretch. The Huskies earned a win and tie against Bemidji State in their last series back on Dec. 13-14. 

WMU is 5-11-1 against the Huskies all-time, but the Broncos have won the last three meetings. That includes an 8-1 victory in the last meeting back in the 2022 GLI. 

MTU has been led by Stiven Sardarian, who has 19 points on eight goals and 11 assists. Max Koskipirtti and Isaac Gordon have each chipped in 12 points. 

In net, Derek Mullahy has started 12 games, while Max Vayrynen has gotten the nod in four games. Mullahy has a 6-4-2 record, 2.14 goals against average and .918 save percentage, while Vayrynen holds a 3-1-0 record, 1.74 GAA and .920 save percentage. 

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Since the start of the 2021-22 season Western Michigan has been consistently among the top teams in the nation, and the polls reflect that. WMU has made three straight NCAA Tournaments and currently sits at No. 6 in the nation. 

The Broncos have been ranked in the top-20 since Oct. 11, 2021.