KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey program and head coach
Pat Ferschweiler have announced
Luke Grainger as the team's captain for the 2023-24 season. Alongside Grainger, seniors
Cedric Fiedler,
Chad Hillebrand and
Tim Washe will serve as assistant captains.
Grainger is entering his senior season with the program and has continued to improve each year on campus. Last season, he notched career highs in goals (12), assists (20), points (32), shots (60) and plus/minus (+18), while helping the Broncos to a 23-15-1 overall record and 15-8-1 NCHC mark.
During his career with Western Michigan, Grainger has totaled 55 points on 24 goals and 31 assists in 102 games. He is the team's leading returning scorer in 2023-24.
"It's an incredible honor to be named captain in the program's 50th year," Grainger said. "It's a privilege to lead this talented group of athletes, and I'm excited to represent this university both on and off the ice to the best of my ability. I'm confident that this team will push this amazing program to new heights."
Fiedler has played in 93 career games for the Broncos, totaling 21 points on three goals and 18 assists. Last season, he posted career-best marks in goals (3), points (10), shots (41), blocks (31) and plus/minus (+24).
Hillebrand had a career season in 2022-23, collecting 16 points on seven goals and nine assists. Those 16 points were double the amount he had in 2021-22. Over his career, Hillebrand has played in 71 games, totaling 26 points on 10 goals and 16 assists.
Washe had a breakout 2022-23 season, as he tripled his career point total by finishing with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) and had an NCHC-leading 61.4 percent faceoff winning percentage. In two seasons prior to that, Washe had recorded three goals and three assists. In 91 career games, the Clarkston, Mich. native has 24 points on 10 goals and 14 assists.
WMU opens the regular season on Oct. 12 at home against Ferris State at 7 p.m. This season WMU will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Bronco Varsity Hockey, which will be commemorated in a variety of ways, including a special 50th Anniversary logo at center ice, special in-game tributes throughout the season, and a special Alumni Weekend for Bronco Hockey during the Colorado College series, January 26 and 27. In addition, every season ticket holder will receive a special 50th Anniversary puck to commemorate this special season.
