Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey
Encyclopedia
The Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents Western Michigan University
. The Broncos are a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association
(CCHA). They play at Lawson Arena
in Kalamazoo, Michigan
.
and lost 0 game to 2, WMU was outscored 11–4 by the Crimson.
Western Michigan's next post season appearance came in 1994. Western Michigan received an at-large bid to the 1994 NCAA Division I Tournament
and again fell in the first round with a 6–3 loss to Wisconsin
.
The Broncos rebounded in the 1995–96 season after a sub-.500 season in 1994–95. Western Michigan received the program's second at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Western Michigan lost again in the first round to Clarkson
6–1. The 1996 post season appearance would be WMU's last NCAA Tournament appearance to date.
Under first-year coach Jeff Blashill, Western Michigan received an at-large bid to the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, where they would lose their opening game 3-2 in double overtime to Denver
.
: Several alumni are also known for their contributions as front office members and broadcasters.
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
(NCAA) Division I college ice hockey program that represents Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....
. The Broncos are a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association
Central Collegiate Hockey Association
The Central Collegiate Hockey Association is a NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey college athletic conference that operates mostly in Michigan and Ohio, although it also has members in Alaska and Indiana. It participates in the NCAA's Division I as a hockey-only conference. It holds its championship...
(CCHA). They play at Lawson Arena
Lawson Arena
Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena is a 3,667-seat multi-purpose arena in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The arena's first game was on November 15, 1974 against Algoma University College of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. It is home to the Western Michigan University Broncos ice hockey team.The building is...
in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan
The area on which the modern city stands was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell culture, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown's Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to...
.
History
The Broncos program began in 1973 and joined the CCHA for the 1975–76 season. After ten seasons in the league Western Michigan won the 1986 CCHA Playoff Tournament and advanced to the school's first NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament in 1986. The 1986 season marked the program's first and only CCHA Tournament Championship and the program's first bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Broncos entered the Tournament in the West Regional against HarvardHarvard Crimson men's ice hockey
The Harvard Crimson men's ice hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college ice hockey program that represents Harvard University. The Crimson are a member of ECAC Hockey. They play at the Bright Hockey Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts...
and lost 0 game to 2, WMU was outscored 11–4 by the Crimson.
Western Michigan's next post season appearance came in 1994. Western Michigan received an at-large bid to the 1994 NCAA Division I Tournament
1994 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament
The 1994 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament involved 12 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college ice hockey. It began on March 25, 1994, and ended with the championship game on April 2...
and again fell in the first round with a 6–3 loss to Wisconsin
Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey
The Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team is the college ice hockey team that represents the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. The team plays at the Kohl Center and is coached by former Badger and NHL player Mike Eaves...
.
The Broncos rebounded in the 1995–96 season after a sub-.500 season in 1994–95. Western Michigan received the program's second at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Western Michigan lost again in the first round to Clarkson
Clarkson Golden Knights men's ice hockey
The Clarkson Golden Knights Men's Ice Hockey team is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college ice hockey program that represents Clarkson University. The Golden Knights are a member of ECAC Hockey...
6–1. The 1996 post season appearance would be WMU's last NCAA Tournament appearance to date.
Under first-year coach Jeff Blashill, Western Michigan received an at-large bid to the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, where they would lose their opening game 3-2 in double overtime to Denver
Denver Pioneers men's ice hockey
The University of Denver Men's Hockey Program has been playing NCAA Division I hockey since 1949. Pioneer Hockey is one of the most successful hockey programs in the history of collegiate hockey. The Pioneers rank second in all-time NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championships with 7. Only the University...
.
Yearly results
Coaching
The Broncos are coached by former L.A. Kings and St. Louis Blues head coach Andy Murray. He is in his first season as head coach.All-time coaching records
As of completion of 2009–10 season| Tenure | Coach | Years | Record | Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–present | Andy Murray | 1 | 5–0–3 | |
| 2010–2011 | Jeff Blashill Jeff Blashill Jeff Blashill is an assistant coach for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings. He previously served as the head coach of the Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey team and as the head coach and general manager of the Indiana Ice and was an assistant hockey coach at Ferris State... |
1 | 19–13–10 | |
| 1999–2010 | Jim Culhane Jim Culhane Jim Culhane is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He played for the Hartford Whalers. Culhane coached the Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey team from 2000–2010.-External links:... |
11 | 158–222–48 | |
| 1982–1999 | Bill Wilkinson Bill Wilkinson (ice hockey) William Wilkinson is a Canadian college ice hockey coach. He coached the Wayne State Warriors men's ice hockey program for four years. Prior to that, Wilkinson coach the Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey program for seventeen seasons.-External links:... |
17 | 313–301–53 | |
| 1978–1982 | Glen Weller | 4 | 64–73–5 | |
| 1973–1978 | Bill Neal | 5 | 91–65–5 | |
| Totals | 5 coaches | 39 seasons | 645–674–121 |
Alumni
The Western Michigan Broncos have advanced a number of players to professional hockey, including a number of alumni that played and are currently playing in the NHLNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
: Several alumni are also known for their contributions as front office members and broadcasters.
- Bill Armstrong
- Mike BishaiMike BishaiMike Bishai is a professional ice hockey centre, who is currently a Free Agent. He last played for Jokerit in the Finnish SM-liiga...
- Joe CorvoJoe CorvoJoseph Corvo is an American professional ice hockey player who plays for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League. Corvo was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 4th round of the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.-Early career:...
- Jim CulhaneJim CulhaneJim Culhane is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He played for the Hartford Whalers. Culhane coached the Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey team from 2000–2010.-External links:...
- Dan DorionDan DorionDaniel Norman Dorion is a retired American ice hockey right winger who played four games with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League between 1985–86 and 1987–88...
- Patrick DwyerPatrick Dwyer (ice hockey)Patrick "Pat" Dwyer is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League.-Career statistics:-External links:...
- Mike EastwoodMike EastwoodMichael Barry Eastwood is a retired Canadian ice hockey centre who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, St...
- Ross FitzpatrickRoss Fitzpatrick (ice hockey)Ross Fitzpatrick is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 20 games over parts of four seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is currently a pro scout with the Flyers....
- David GoveDavid GoveDavid Gove is an American ice hockey player who currently is an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League during the 2008–09 season....
- Glenn HealyGlenn HealyGlenn Healy is a former ice hockey goaltender who played for 15 years in the National Hockey League. Prior to that, he was a member of the Western Michigan University hockey team, and 1985 graduate of the school. He also served as the director of player affairs for the National Hockey League...
- Ron HooverRon HooverRonald Kenneth Hoover is a retired Canadian ice hockey left winger.Hoover was drafted 158th overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft and after four seasons with the Western Michigan University, he signed with the Boston Bruins as a free-agent in 1989. He played 17 games for...
- Keith Jones
- Jamal MayersJamal MayersJamal David Mayers is a professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League. He wore jersey number 21 for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues, number 19 for the Flames, and number 10 for the San Jose Sharks...
- Andy RymshaAndy RymshaAndrew Anthony Rymsha was a professional ice hockey player who played six games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Quebec Nordiques in the 1991-92 season.- References :...
- Bernie SaundersBernie SaundersBernie Saunders is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played two seasons in the National Hockey League for the Quebec Nordiques. His brother is ESPN sportscaster, John Saunders....
- John Saunders
- Neil Smith
- Paul SzczechuraPaul SzczechuraPaul Szczechura is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
- Mark LetestuMark LetestuMark Letestu is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.Letestu played three season of junior hockey with the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, before playing one season at Western Michigan of the Central Collegiate...
Goals
| Rank | Goals | Player | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 115 | Dan Dorion Dan Dorion Daniel Norman Dorion is a retired American ice hockey right winger who played four games with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League between 1985–86 and 1987–88... |
1982–86 |
| 2 | 109 | Jeff Green | 1986–90 |
| 3 | 104 | Rob Bryden | 1983–87 |
| 4 | 102 | Stuart Burnie | 1982–86 |
| 5 | 100 | Ross Fitzpatrick Ross Fitzpatrick (ice hockey) Ross Fitzpatrick is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 20 games over parts of four seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is currently a pro scout with the Flyers.... |
1978–82 |
Assists
| Rank | Assists | Player | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 199 | Wayne Gagne | 1983–87 |
| 2 | 189 | Paul Polillo Paul Polillo Paul Polillo was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in the Colonial Hockey League for nine seasons, winning the UHL Most Valuable Player Award three years in succession.... |
1986–90 |
| 3 | 178 | Dan Dorion Dan Dorion Daniel Norman Dorion is a retired American ice hockey right winger who played four games with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League between 1985–86 and 1987–88... |
1982–86 |
| 4 | 131 | Mike Posma Mike Posma Mike Posma is an American former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. Posma was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. He played professionally for the Utica Devils of the American Hockey League and later in Switzerland and Germany. He coached in Switzerland... |
1986–90 |
| 5 | 127 | Chris Brooks | 1992–96 |
Points
| Rank | Points | Player | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 293 | Dan Dorion Dan Dorion Daniel Norman Dorion is a retired American ice hockey right winger who played four games with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League between 1985–86 and 1987–88... |
1982–86 |
| 2 | 271 | Paul Polillo Paul Polillo Paul Polillo was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in the Colonial Hockey League for nine seasons, winning the UHL Most Valuable Player Award three years in succession.... |
1986–90 |
| 3 | 241 | Wayne Gagne | 1983–87 |
| 4 | 234 | Jeff Green | 1986–90 |
| 5 | 225 | Ross Fitzpatrick Ross Fitzpatrick (ice hockey) Ross Fitzpatrick is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 20 games over parts of four seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is currently a pro scout with the Flyers.... |
1978–82 |
Games
| Rank | Games | Player | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 168 | Brian Tulik | 1987–92 |
| 2 | 166 | Tom Auge | 1987–91 |
| 3 | 165 | Paul Polillo Paul Polillo Paul Polillo was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in the Colonial Hockey League for nine seasons, winning the UHL Most Valuable Player Award three years in succession.... |
1986–90 |
| 4 | 164 | Mike Eastwood Mike Eastwood Michael Barry Eastwood is a retired Canadian ice hockey centre who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, St... |
1987–91 |
| 5 | 162 | Rob Bryden | 1983–87 |
| 5 | 162 | Jim Culhane Jim Culhane Jim Culhane is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He played for the Hartford Whalers. Culhane coached the Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey team from 2000–2010.-External links:... |
1983–87 |
| 5 | 162 | Wayne Gagne | 1983–87 |
| 5 | 162 | Pat Ryan | 1983–87 |