KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan hockey team is set to host its annual Skate with the Broncos and Meet the Team Open House on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 4:00 p.m. at Lawson Ice Arena.

The event is free to the general public and WMU students. Fans can enjoy an open skate from 4:00-4:45 p.m. Fans can bring their own skates or rent them at the arena, with skate rental being available on a first-come, first-served basis. The WMU locker room will also be open for fans to tour, with a chance to meet the team, while the players will be available to sign autographs. Additionally, prize drawings will be set up and 2023-24 season ticket holders will also be able to pick up a 50th anniversary commemorative puck.

The Broncos open the season at home at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 12 against Ferris State. Western Michigan beat Ferris State twice last season, including a victory in the Great Lakes Invitational. 

WMU is coming off of one of its best seasons in program history, winning 23 games and making a second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Broncos also won the Great Lakes Invitational and finished second in the NCHC, which was the highest finish in program history. 

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.