KALAMAZOO, Mich. – After the opening weekend of college hockey, the USCHO and USA Hockey/The Rink Live polls were released Monday afternoon, and the Western Michigan hockey team was ranked No. 12 in both polls. 

Boston led the USCHO poll, while Minnesota was the top team in the USA Hockey/The Rink Live rankings. Five NCHC teams were ranked in each poll, with WMU being joined by Denver, North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Minnesota Duluth. 

The Broncos begin regular season play this week after earning a dominating 9-4 exhibition win against the U.S. National Under-18 Team last Saturday evening at USA Hockey Arena. Eight Broncos had multi-point games, including Tim Washe who finished with four points on two goals and two assists. 

Western Michigan opens the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 12 against Ferris State. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. inside Lawson Arena. The Broncos will then travel to Big Rapids on Friday, Oct. 13 to finish the series with the Bulldogs. 

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.