KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Three Western Michigan University (WMU) Broncos are heading to the National Hockey League (NHL).
Broncos Captain Owen Michaels, Goaltender Hampton Slukynsky and his brother, Forward Grant Slukynsky have each inked entry level deals with the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, according to Western Michigan University Athletics on Thursday.
Learn about Michaels and the Slukynsky brothers below:
Pictured is #34 Owen Michaels in this undated photo. Michaels has inked a one-year entry level contract with the Edmonton Oilers. (Jonathan Suni/WMU Athletics/WWMT)
Owen Michaels
Starting in the 2025-26 season, Broncos fans can catch Owen Michaels on the ice during his one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
A Northville, Mich. native, Michaels helped the Broncos secure their first national championship in program history.
He also captained the #1 Broncos to a 27-win season and a fifth-straight NCAA tournament appearance, according to WMU Athletics.
“The last three years at Western Michigan have been the best years of my life,” Michaels said. “This program and university is full of unbelievable people that truly want to see you succeed in life”
He continued, “I am leaving this place a better person and cannot thank my coaches, teammates, support staff, fans and administrators enough for all they’ve done for me. I am a Bronco for life!”
Over his three-year career, Michaels has skated in 119 games, producing 69 points on 33 goals and 36 assists. He also won 938 faceoffs and was +43, according to WMU Athletics.
He was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in 2025-26 and is a three-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete.
Pictured is #30 Hampton Slukynsky in this photo taken March 14, 2026. Slukynsky has inked a three-year entry level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.{ }(Photo by Gavin Liddell/Clarkson Creative Photography/WMU Athletics/WWMT)
Hampton Slukynsky
Ending his Broncos career as “the best goaltender in program history,” Hampton Slukynsky is heading to the West Coast for a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
A Warroad, Minnesota native, Slukynsky helped lead WMU to win its first-ever national championship, Penrose Cup and NCHC Frozen Faceoff title, according to WMU Athletics.
He also led the Broncos in goals against average, save percentage and winning percentage, and was top five in shutouts.
“I am super grateful to have spent two years at Western playing in front of the best fans in college hockey,” Slukynsky said. “I will remember the memories I have made forever. These have been the best two years of my life, and I will forever be grateful for Western Michigan.”
Slukynsky is a two-time All-NCHC selection and five-time NCHC goaltender of the week. He is also two-time gold medalist in 2024-25 with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and with Team USA at the World Junior Championships.
In addition, Slukynsky led the NCAA in wins and was a Hobey Baker nominee in his final season, according to WMU Athletics.
Pictured is #13 Grant Slukynsky in this undated photo. Slukynsky has inked a one-year entry level contract with the Los Angeles Kings. (Jonathan Suni/WMU Athletics/WWMT)(Jonathan Suni/WMU Athletics/WWMT)
Grant Slukynsky
Along with his brother, Hampton, the Los Angeles Kings penned a one-year entry level deal with forward Grant Slukynsky.
A Warroad, Minnesota native, Grant Slukynsky served as an assistant captain for the Broncos in 2025-26, leading the team to a 27-win season and a fifth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance, according to WMU Athletics.
He amassed 76 goals on 20 points and 56 assists in 81 games in two years with the Broncos, and helped the team win their first-ever national championship, Penrose Cup and NCHC Frozen Faceoff title.
“I loved every second of my time at Western Michigan,” Slukynsky said. “The friendships I have created will last me forever. Western Michigan is the best place to play college hockey, along with the best fans. I am so grateful to have been a part of the university. Go Broncos.”
Slukynsky is a two-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and, alongside Michaels, was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in 2025-26, according to WMU Athletics.