COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Western Michigan hockey goalie Brandon Bussi has been named the National Collegiate Hockey Conference Goalie of the Month for December, becoming the first Bronco netminder in program history to earn the monthly honors.  

The junior posted a 4-1-0 record for the month, with a 2.02 goals against average, a .928 save percentage and two assists.  

Bussi opened the month with a 46 total saves in a 6-3, 5-3 sweep at Miami. In the 6-3 win over the RedHawks he tallied his second collegiate assist, helping jumpstart the break on the game-winning goal. In a home split with No. 14 Omaha, he made 28 saves in a 4-2 win and then 25 in a 1-0 loss. He wrapped up the month with a stellar 29-save showing at Michigan State in a 3-1 win over the Spartans in the Great Lakes Invitational Showcase. Bussi stopped a penalty shot in the first period and followed it up with 22 saves in the final two periods to give the Broncos the win. He also assisted on WMU's opening goal. The Sound Beach, N.Y., native was named Co-Bauer NCHC Goalie of the Week for his performance against MSU.  

Bussi's honors mark the second straight month that WMU has earned NCHC monthly recognition after senior forward Ethen Frank was named NCHC Player of the Month for November.  

Western Michigan is off this weekend before resuming play at Colorado College on Jan. 14-15. Friday's game starts at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday's at 8 p.m. Both can be seen live on NCHC.tv and heard live on the Bronco Media Network. The Broncos return home to host No. 5 North Dakota on Jan. 21 and 22 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-4-WMUTIX and at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets. Secure your seats today.