Defensive Structure Shines Again for Broncos
by Avash Kalra/Senior Writer (@AvashKalra)
LOVELAND, Colo. — On paper, Friday’s NCAA first-round win for defending national champion Western Michigan might seem all too familiar to the Broncos’ inspired tournament run a year ago.
And yes, undoubtedly, there are similarities. The Broncos’ triumph over CCHA champion Minnesota State was essentially another one-goal game — the final score only stretched to 3-1 with less than 10 seconds left in the third period, when last year’s NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Owen Michaels buried an empty netter.
Last year, of course, WMU found itself embroiled in plenty of tight, low-scoring playoff games. Beginning with the NCHC championship game, the Broncos rattled off four consecutive one-goal wins en route to the national championship game (which, despite a 6-2 final score over Boston University was, too, a one-goal game heading into the third period). Three of those playoff wins came in double overtime, including the Broncos’ NCAA tournament first-round victory over these same Mavericks.
Friday in Loveland, the rematch started conservatively enough yet again, with neither team finding much open ice or space. But the difference for the Broncos ultimately was their ability to show off — at least on a national stage — their defensive depth and ability to overcome two significant injuries to top-four defensemen. Junior defenseman Cole Crusberg-Roseen hasn’t played since New Year’s Eve. Sophomore defenseman Joona Vaisanen hasn’t played since Halloween. Each played all 42 games for Western Michigan last season, and each played over 20 minutes last April in the national championship game when the Broncos won their first national title in program history.
So, while the team has had plenty of time to get used to different defensive pairings, the NCAA tournament stage is simply different. And in yet another stifling defensive performance under the bright lights, the Broncos showed off why they are often complemented as a team that plays a “pro-style” game.
And it’s a game that’s well-suited to playing in March and April.
“It means we play the game the right way,” Michaels said. “We play 200 feet, from net to net, goal line to goal line, board to board. We play hard, we play fast, we play relentless. We move pucks north, we keep it simple, and we also know that when the opportunity arises to bring our skill out, we’re more than capable of making those plays. It’s just our identity. We stuck to it today… We’re a connected group all over the ice, we play as one.”
That identity was on display — more than ever — in the final 1:15 of the third period, when the Mavericks were desperately trying to tie the game in a 6-on-5 extra-attacker scenario. But Minnesota State was never able to confidently control the puck for long enough to set up a quality chance. For the final 26.5 seconds, senior Zach Bookman — who has taken Vaisanen’s spot on the top defensive pairing in his absence — was tasked with keeping the Mavs’ top players at bay.
Western Michigan head coach Pat Ferschweiler cited Bookman’s maturity and skill in those situations, while also noting the key to his team’s defensive philosophy.
“The more you possess, the more you have it, that’s the best defense in hockey,” Ferschweiler said.
“I think it was next man up, it was a big opportunity for me,” Bookman added. “It’s not just me, it’s everyone. It’s been remarkable to see.”
Under Ferschweiler, Western Michigan has transformed itself into a national powerhouse. The “pro style” compliments are accurate, too. The Broncos have taken advantage of the transfer portal and strong recruiting to build a roster that plays a heavy style, mimicking pro hockey with its physicality and elite special teams. But the defensive structure and ability to control play has led to the Broncos’ recent prowess on the national stage. It’s rare to see a Bronco player lose a battle on the wall, or fail to block a shot when they can get into position. And Ferschweiler has brought in players who can play at both ends of the ice with aplomb.
So it’s no surprise, then, that when there’s an injury, the “next man up” strategy actually works.
It helps, too, that the Broncos are opportunistic. On Friday against Minnesota State, just as they have been able to do over and over again in postseason games, Western found just enough of an edge to build a two-goal second-period lead — on a pair of shots from the blue line that found their way through to the net, eluding senior goaltender Alex Tracy, who was heavily screened both times. The first goal for WMU came off a tip-in by junior Zaccharya Wisdom, playing in his first NCAA tournament game, after transferring from Colorado College in the offseason. Wisdom added an assist on Michaels’ empty-netter that sealed it — perhaps a sigh of relief, too, after the Broncos had been uncharacteristically outshot, 11-6, in the third.
“We’re big, we’re heavy, we’re physical, we go north, we’re not too fancy,” said goaltender Hampton Slukynsky, who made 23 saves in the win. “We grind teams down and use our skill when we need to. That’s a pro style.”
Western Michigan will play either Denver or Cornell in Sunday’s Regional Final. If it’s Denver, that’ll be a matchup of the last two national champions in a potential game for the ages.
And for the Broncos (just like the Pioneers, for that matter), the more things seem to change, the more they stay the same.
“Obviously the stakes are higher,” said WMU junior forward William Whitelaw. “But no nerves for us. As Coach says, ‘nerves are for the unprepared.’ And we’re prepared.”
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