KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan hockey program and head coach
Pat Ferschweiler are excited to announce the addition of 10 student-athletes for the 2023-24 season. WMU added six freshman and four transfers.
The Broncos open the season with an exhibition on Oct. 7 in Plymouth, Mich. against the U.S. National Under-18 Team. The first regular season game of the season will come on Oct. 12 when WMU hosts Ferris State.
Western Michigan 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.
MEET THE FRESHMAN
#3 | Cole Crusberg-Roseen | Defenseman | Stratham, NH | Lincoln Stars, USHL
Crusberg-Roseen spent last season with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, where he played in 56 games. In that time, he totaled 21 points on seven goals and 14 assists. He added three points (one goal and two assists) in nine playoff games. Prior to his time in Lincoln, he played for the NAHL's Minnesota Wilderness. In 2021-22, he collected 35 points on 20 goals and 15 assists.
#6 | Jacob Napier | Defenseman | Lancaster, N.Y. | Fargo Force, USHL
The incoming defenseman has spent the last two seasons in the USHL, most recently with the Fargo Force in 2022-23. He totaled 22 points on seven goals and 15 assists in 61 games for the Force last season. Prior to that, he played the 2021-22 season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, earning 10 points on one goal and nine assists in 58 games.
#24 | Garrett Szydlowski | Forward | Detroit, Mich. | Wenatchee Wild, BCHL
Szydlowski has spent the last four seasons between the BCHL and NAHL. Over the last two seasons, the young forward has played for the Wenatchee Wild, where he totaled 57 points on 24 goals and 33 assists in 86 games. In the playoffs, he added six points on two goals and four assists over those two seasons. In the NAHL, he played for the Maryland Black Bears, posting 39 points on 17 goals and 22 assists in 99 games.
#26 | Ean Somoza | Forward | Thousand Oaks, Calif. | Wenatchee Wild, BCHL
Somoza had an electric career in the BCHL, collecting 127 points on 37 goals and 90 assists in 103 games for the Wenatchee Wild over two years. He was just as good in playoff action, collecting 21 points with three goals and 18 assists in 17 postseason games. Prior to his stint in the BCHL, he played 50 games in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede. With the Stampede, he was able to post 13 points (two goals and 11 assists).
#30 | Dawson Smith | Goalie | Whitehorse, Yukon Territory | La Ronge Ice Wolves, SJHL
Smith had an excellent two-year stint with the Ice Wolves, earning more than 30 wins with the team. He played his best hockey in 2022-23, earning a 19-11-4 record to go along with a .933 save percentage and 2.47 goals against average. He was strong in postseason play as well, nabbing two wins while producing a .919 save percentage.
#34 | Owen Michaels | Forward | Detroit, Mich. | Dubuque Fighting Saints, USHL
Splitting time between the USHL and NAHL, Michaels had a productive juniors career. Last season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, he was able to collect 26 points on 15 goals and 11 assists during the regular season and eight points in five games during the postseason. Prior to his time in Dubuque, Michaels played two years with the NAHL's Bismark Bobcats. With the Bobcats, Michaels was able to post 53 points (14 goals and 39 assists).
MEET THE TRANSFERS
#8 | Joe Cassetti | Forward | Pleasanton, Calif. | Miami, NCHC
Cassetti spent the last three seasons at Miami (OH), where he was able to produce strong numbers. Along with being a three-time member of the NCHC Academic All-Conference Team, Cassetti appeared in 70 games, scoring 31 points on 18 goals and 13 assists. During his juniors career, he played in 128 games for the USHL's Waterloo Black Hawks over three seasons (2017-2020). In that time, he put up 74 points with 39 goals and 35 assists.
#12 | Sam Colangelo | Forward | Stoneham, Mass. | Northeastern, Hockey East
Colangelo played three seasons at Northeastern before arriving in Kalamazoo this season. With Northeastern, Colangelo was able to produce 54 points (21 goals and 33 assists) in 72 games. He was named the team's most improved player in 2021-22. He was selected in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. Prior to his college playing days, he played in 55 games for the USHL's Chicago Steel. In 2019-20, he notched 28 goals and 30 assists en route to winning the Anderson Cup. Finally, Colangelo won the 2021 Team USA World Juniors Gold Medal.
#25 | Matteo Costantini | Forward | St. Catharines, Ontario | North Dakota, NCHC
A fifth round selection by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Costantini has had a strong start to his college career. He played the last two seasons at North Dakota, appearing in 60 games. He has scored 24 points on 10 goals and 14 assists over his career. In 2021-22, he had eight goals and 13 assists, which led to him being named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team. Prior to college, he played 37 games for the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers, where he scored 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists).
#29 | Ethan Phillips | Forward | Dartmouth, N.S. | Boston University, Hockey East
Phillips spent the last four seasons at Boston University, playing in 89 games. He totaled 38 points on 12 goals and 26 assists over his career and had four goals and seven assists in 2022-23. In the NCAA Tournament last season, he was named to the Manchester All-Regional Team after leading all skaters with four points on two goals and two assists. Before college, Phillips played in 50 games for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. In that time, he had 43 points on 16 goals and 27 assists. He helped the Stampede claim the 2019 Clark Cup.
