The #1 Western Michigan Broncos were defeated by the Ferris State Bulldogs 3-2 in their season opener on Thursday night at Lawson Arena, spoiling the banner raising night for the Broncos and fans in attendance who were there to celebrate the team's first ever National Championship. The banner was raised into the rafter in a pre-game ceremony, enshrining the 2024-25 Western Michigan Broncos team, who defeated Boston University 4-2 in the championship game on April 12th, 2025. The game started off well for the Broncos, who were able to take a 1-0 lead after the first twenty minutes of play with a late goal by 19-year-old freshman forward, Bobby Cowan. Cowan joins the Broncos this season after playing for the USHL's Madison Capitols last year. Western Michigan Bronco forward (#19) Bobby Cowan looks on during the play against the Ferris State Bulldogs on October 9th, 2025. © Adam Sheehan WMU Athletics [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/89f76fb1-10ad-41ba-9a2f-72578170088a.jpeg] Western Michigan Bronco forward (#19) Bobby Cowan looks on during the play against the Ferris State Bulldogs on October 9th, 2025. © Adam Sheehan WMU Athletics Incoming Ferris State transfer, Carter Rapalje notched two goals of the second period to snag the lead from the Broncos with a score of 2-1 after forty minutes of play. Rapalje played for Stonehill College and Long Island University prior to transferring to play for the Bulldogs this past summer. Forward, Liam Valente tied the game for the Broncos early in the third, however, 24-year-old Gavin Best scored the game-winning goal for the Bulldogs with 3:34 left to play in the game, sending the Broncos fans home disappointed with a 3-2 loss. Western Michigan Bronco forward (#23) Liam Valente skates with the puck against the Ferris State Bulldogs on October 9th, 2025. © Adam Sheehan WMU Athletics [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e1cf6a06-1e3c-4369-9291-66c43c39c395.jpeg] Western Michigan Bronco forward (#23) Liam Valente skates with the puck against the Ferris State Bulldogs on October 9th, 2025. © Adam Sheehan WMU Athletics Last season was Western Michigan's first ever National Championship since the team began back in 1973. It also marked the Bronco's first ever Frozen Four Appearance and their first ever NCHC Tournament Championship. The Broncos started the 2025-26 season at the top of the USCHO.com Power Rankings with the #1 ranking. The Western Michigan Broncos celebrate winning the 2024-25 National Championship with a team photo at center ice. - © Adam Sheehan WMU Athletics/Detroit News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7381fa27-6abd-480e-946a-75e33572f16b.jpeg] The Western Michigan Broncos celebrate winning the 2024-25 National Championship with a team photo at center ice. - © Adam Sheehan WMU Athletics/Detroit News The Broncos will have a chance at redemption tonight when they travel about 100 miles to Ferris State University to complete the second game of this home-and-home series. Puck drop is expected to be at 7 PM Eastern. Related First Five Players Named to Team USA to Compete for the 2025 Spengler Cup in Davos. [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/346d79eb-d864-444a-a137-7a4966da82eb.webp] First Five Players Named to Team USA to Compete for the 2025 Spengler Cup in Davos. College Hockey is about to take on the world's oldest ice hockey tournament later this year when a team of 25 student athletes will represent the USA in the Spengler Cup. Earlier today, the United States Collegiate Select Hockey Team has announced the “First Five” players who will wear the red, white, and blue. The two forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender, are all returning AHCA/CCM All-Americans and represent four of the six NCAA men's ice hockey conferences. [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/latest-news/first-five-players-named-to-team-usa-to-compete-for-the-2025-spengler-cup-in-davos]
