Men's Ice Hockey | November 28, 2019
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Heading into next week's showdown with National Collegiate Hockey Conference leaders and No. 3 ranked North Dakota, Western Michigan hockey junior forward Paul Washe sits atop the nation ranking in faceoff percentage.
Washe is 176-85 on draws this season for 67.4 percent, the best among any player that has taken over 50 faceoffs this season. The Clarkston, Mich., native has taken on average 18.64 faceoffs per game in his 14 games played this season. Of the 14, Washe has had a percentage of 50 percent or below in just two of them, going 6-6 against Ohio State and 9-12 against Bowling Green on Oct. 18.
He has also put together nine games with at least 13 wins on the draw and a career-high performance at Colorado College in which he went 20-3 (Nov. 2). Washe has also had stellar performances of 14-3 against Bowling Green on Oct. 19 and 15-2 at Denver on Nov. 22.
A normal game week for Washe consists of repetitions at the end of practice, as well as video work.
"We go through practice and at the end the centers meet and battle each other, getting about 5-10 reps on each side," said Washe. "We will also do video, scouting the other team's centers. As a team we also go through the opponents' faceoff plays in their offensive and defensive zones so we can counter attack that."
Washe takes his video work very seriously, helping him develop plans going into the games on the weekend.
"I am looking at how the opposing center is lining up, his strategy, his moves, how he wins draws and what he is most comfortable doing. Then I watch the guys going against him to see what is working and what isn't."
"I've got a few consistent things that I try to do pretty often," added Washe when asked if he was more active or reactive in his approach. "When I am watching video I can pick out their tendencies and when I identify those I can come out with a plan going into the weekend."
The mastering of his craft has led to an increased amount of ice time for Washe. He plays in all situations of the game, logging minutes on the power play and the penalty kill. Head coach Andy Murray will often send him out there with a different line just to win the draw.
"It is a role I really like and I am really fortunate to have it," added Washe on being the go-to guy. "The game today, getting possession is so important and it feels gratifying to help the team get possession of the puck. It's a role I am glad I have and I'm going to keep trying to earn it."
Washe has tough competition in practice every day, facing off against senior Hugh McGing, juniors Austin Rueschhoff and Cam Orchard, sophomore Drew Worrad and freshman Jason Polin. Combined the group has helped WMU to a season faceoff win percentage of 56.4 (500-387), ranking third-best in the nation behind Notre Dame and NCAA leaders Minnesota State.
"I think it's a credit to our process," said Washe. "There is a lot of centermen on our team that are very good at taking faceoffs and working against them on a daily basis helps. Looking back to freshman and sophomore years, working with our staff to make some small adjustments to what I had coming in, it was a big help."
As for Coach Murray and his faith in Washe? In WMU's recent 2-1 win over No. 4 Denver, the Broncos were leading in the final seconds with a faceoff in their defensive zone. Murray sent Washe out to take the draw.
"There was no doubt in anyone's mind when you looked in Paul Washe's eyes on that last faceoff and the grit and determination, there wasn't any chance in the world that he was losing that draw," said Murray during his post-game interview on the Bronco Radio Network. "That's why he is such a valuable part of our team."
Washe won the draw and Western Michigan killed off the remainder of the game, walking away with just its second win at Magness Arena in program history.
Washe and his crew will be tested in the next few series. The Broncos host North Dakota next Friday and Saturday. The Fighting Hawks currently rank ninth in the nation in faceoff win percentage, while the Fighting Irish host the Broncos on Friday, Jan. 3 before coming to Lawson Ice Arena Sunday, Jan. 5. at 5 p.m. Tickets for the two series and all WMU hockey home games are available by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX and online at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.
