Thursday night’s NCAA Frozen Four semifinals were nothing short of dramatic, filled with high-stakes moments, overtime thrills, and one unforgettable finish. Western Michigan University punched its ticket to its first-ever NCAA men’s hockey national championship game with a double overtime victory over the University of Denver, while Boston University ended Penn State’s Cinderella run to book their spot in the title game. Now, Western Michigan and Boston University will face off in what promises to be an exciting and high-octane championship game.
Western Michigan vs. Denver: A Double Overtime Thriller
In a game that lived up to all the hype, Western Michigan and Denver went toe-to-toe in a rematch of the NCHC championship. After a back-and-forth game that saw Western Michigan jump out to an early lead before Denver equalized late to force overtime, it was Owen Michaels who scored the game-winning goal for the Broncos. Michaels’ bar-down finish on a rush sent Western Michigan to its first-ever national championship game, wrapping up a thrilling contest in under a minute into the second overtime frame.
The win was a testament to Western Michigan’s resilience, as they had been on the receiving end of a comeback just weeks earlier when Denver nearly pulled off the same trick in their conference final. But this time, the Broncos held strong and came through when it mattered most.
Boston University Routs Penn State to Reach Championship Game
In the second semifinal, Boston University made sure to avoid any drama, taking control of the game against Penn State. The Terriers jumped out to a two-goal lead in the second period, and despite a late push from Penn State that saw them close the gap to one, BU sealed the win with an empty-net goal. The 4-2 victory secured Boston University’s spot in the national championship game for the first time since 2015.
With this win, BU continues its impressive late-season run. After a slow start to the season, they’ve bounced back strongly, winning eight of their last nine games. The Terriers’ combination of skill and solid goaltending, particularly from Mikhail Yegorov, has propelled them into the title game, where they’ll look to add another national championship to their storied history.
Championship Preview: Western Michigan vs. Boston University
The stage is set for a thrilling national championship showdown between Western Michigan and Boston University. These two teams are among the highest-scoring in the nation, and their clash will be a matchup of speed, skill, and goaltending.
Western Michigan’s Strengths: Work Ethic and Depth
Western Michigan’s success this season has been built on a complete team effort, where scoring depth has been one of their major advantages. The Broncos boast six players with at least 30 points on the season, ensuring that no one player is solely responsible for their success. This balance allows them to roll four lines and wear down their opponents throughout the game.
But it’s not just about the offense. Western Michigan excels in the little battles, whether it’s winning pucks along the boards, forechecking relentlessly, or executing strong defensive plays. The Broncos pride themselves on outworking their opponents, and it’s this grit that has helped them reach the championship game.
Boston University: Star Power and NHL Talent
On the other side, Boston University has an impressive roster loaded with NHL-drafted talent. The Terriers have 14 drafted prospects, including two first-round picks: Cole Eiserman and Tom Willander. They also have talented players like Sascha Boumedienne and Cole Hutson, who add to the team’s offensive firepower.
Despite their star-studded lineup, BU had a rocky start to the season, partially due to the departure of key players to the NHL. However, the addition of goaltender Mikhail Yegorov helped stabilize their play, and they’ve been nearly unstoppable since his arrival. The Terriers’ combination of high-end skill and improved goaltending has made them one of the toughest teams in the nation.
Goaltending Battle: Slukynsky vs. Yegorov
The goaltending battle between Western Michigan’s Hampton Slukynsky and Boston University’s Mikhail Yegorov will likely be a deciding factor in this game. Both netminders have played a huge role in their teams’ success, and whichever goaltender performs better in this high-pressure game could be the difference-maker.
Slukynsky has been solid for the Broncos all season, providing a steady presence in net. Meanwhile, Yegorov has been instrumental in Boston University’s late-season surge, providing the stability and confidence the team needed to make their championship run.
Motivation for Both Teams
For Boston University, the national championship is an opportunity to add to their already impressive legacy. With five national titles, they are tied for the fifth-most in NCAA men’s hockey history. A win on Saturday would give them their sixth title, moving them into a tie for fourth all-time with Wisconsin.
For Western Michigan, this is uncharted territory. The Broncos are making their first appearance in the national championship game, and winning it would mark the beginning of a new era of success for the program. A victory would solidify their place among the top hockey programs in the country.
The 2024 NCAA men’s hockey national championship game between Western Michigan and Boston University is shaping up to be a thrilling battle. Both teams have earned their spot with a combination of skill, depth, and determination. Whether it’s Western Michigan’s hard-working, team-first mentality or Boston University’s star power and NHL-caliber talent, fans are in for an exciting game on Saturday night in St. Louis.
