KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan hockey team and head coach Pat Ferschweiler announced the winners of the team's annual awards following a record-breaking 2022-23 season. The Broncos won 23 games and earned their highest NCHC finish in program history, while also making another trip to the NCAA Tournament. 

Due to his incredible season, Jason Polin was named the Rob Hodge Most Valuable Player. He finished the year with a NCAA leading and NCHC record 30 goals. Along with that, the Bronco captain was named a Hobey Baker finalist and earned Second Team All American honors. He also earned the NCHC's Player of the Year and Forward of the Year awards, along with being a First Team All-NCHC selection. 

Ryan McAllister's strong rookie season didn't go unnoticed, as he was selected as the Susan Klop Rookie of the Year and earned the Vic Vanderberg Leading Scorer award. McAllister led the team in points and assists, tallying 49 points on 13 goals and 36 assists. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie team and collected Honorable Mention All-NCHC honors. 

Like McAllister, Aidan Fulp and Zak Galambos were also able to grab two awards each. First, Fulp and Galambos shared the Neil Smith Most Valuable Defenseman Award. Fulp finished the year with 15 points on two goals and 13 assists, while adding on a team-high 50 blocked shots. He was a finalist for the NCHC's Defensive Defenseman of the Year award. Galambos was the team's top scoring defenseman, collecting 29 points on 11 goals and 18 assists. He was second on the team with 42 blocked shots. Galambos was named a finalist for the league's Offensive Defenseman of the Year award.

Additionally, Fulp garnered the Peter Ellis Academic Award, as he maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his time with the program. Fulp is a three-time Distinguished Scholar Athlete in the NCHC. Galambos' other award was the Bill Saunders Plus/Minus Award, as he finished the year at +30. 

The KOHA Grinder award went to Luke Grainger after his career year helped guide the Broncos to great success. He tallied 32 points on 12 goals and 20 assists, including a six-point game in a 7-6 victory at North Dakota. Dylan Wendt's spectacular sophomore season was rewarded with the Ed Edwards Most Improved Player award. Wendt came on strong in his second season, finishing the 2022-23 campaign with 22 points on eight goals and 14 assists. He had three points last season. 

Finally, Cole Gallant and Cam Knuble were honored for their work during the season. Gallant nabbed the Catherine Lawson Sportsmanship award after displaying a great attitude and strong instincts on the ice. Gallant played in all 39 games and committed just two minor penalties all season. Knuble was able to collect the Ross/Dickie Brown and Gold Award after finishing the season with a goal in 30 games. He displayed true versatility in those 30 games, splitting time between forward and defense.