Western Michigan to Face Boston University in 2025 Frozen Four Championship
In a highly anticipated matchup for the 2025 Frozen Four national championship, Western Michigan University (WMU) will face off against the Boston University Terriers in St. Louis on Saturday evening. This thrilling confrontation promises to showcase contrasting narratives: WMU, a team making its first Frozen Four appearance, and Boston University, one of the most traditional and successful programs in NCAA hockey history.
Western Michigan’s Thrilling Semifinal Win
In the semifinals, Western Michigan pulled off a remarkable victory over the reigning national champion Denver Pioneers with a close score of 3-2 in double overtime. This match marked not only a historic moment for WMU but also featured the first double-overtime game in the Frozen Four since 1996.
The Broncos established their early lead thanks to a power-play goal from Brian Kramer, who netted just his second goal of the season. WMU doubled the advantage shortly afterward through Owen Michaels, who capitalized on a Denver turnover to score his second goal of the game. However, Denver showed grit as Aidan Thompson and Rieger Lorenz managed to equalize, sending the game into the overtime periods and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Michaels emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the second overtime, a moment that cemented WMU’s place in the championship game. His efforts, along with stellar moments from teammates, highlighted the determination of a Broncos squad eager to capture their first national title.
Boston University’s Steady Performance
In the second semifinal match, Boston University faced the upstart Penn State Nittany Lions, securing a 3-1 victory. The Terriers came out strong in the second period, with Jack Hughes being first to score by stuffing home a loose puck. This was followed by a goal from Cole Eiserman during an odd-man rush, giving Boston a comfortable lead. Penn State’s Nicholas DeGraves managed to score in the third period, but an empty-net goal from Jack Harvey sealed the result, ensuring Boston advanced to the finals.
A Historic Rivalry
This championship game will mark just the fifth meeting between WMU and Boston University, with the Terriers having won all four previous matchups. A victory for Boston could see them claim their sixth national title, which would tie them with Wisconsin for the fourth-most championships in NCAA history. Additionally, a win would also extend their record for the most Frozen Four victories overall to 26.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams boast impressive lineups featuring high-caliber players. Western Michigan is led by Alex Bump, a fifth-round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022, who leads the team with 47 points and 23 goals. For Boston, the spotlight is on the Hutson brothers, Quinn Hutson, averaging 1.35 points-per-game, and Cole Hutson, who ranks third in Division I with 0.87 assists-per-game. The Hutsons are also related to Lane Hutson, a notable defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens.
Viewing Information
The championship game is set for April 12 at 7 PM ET at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Fans can catch the action on ESPN2 or through streaming platforms like Fubo.
Conclusion
As the ice is prepared for this historic championship battle, not only do Western Michigan and Boston University look to claim victory, but they also carry the weight of their respective narratives: the underdog striving for greatness against a perennial powerhouse in search of reclamation. This matchup encapsulates the drama and excitement of college hockey, and the outcome promises to leave an indelible mark on both programs’ legacies.
