KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan travels to Chestnut Hill, Mass. for a game against No. 2 Boston College on Saturday. This is the first ever meeting between the two programs.  

LAST TIME OUT
The Broncos were dominant last week, taking care of both Bowling Green and York. WMU finished the weekend outscoring its opponents by a total of 14-2. 

NEHRING'S NOTABLE WEEK
Freshman Zach Nehring was named the NCHC Rookie of the Week on Monday after a strong performance in a 6-2 win against Bowling Green. 

The Minot, N.D. native finished the week with three points on two goals and one assist. The three-point night was his first multi-goal and multi-point game of his career. 

Through three games this season, Nehring has three goals and two assists. The young forward has tallied at least one point in each game this season, including two exhibition contests.  

He leads the team and is top 10 in the NCHC in both points and goals. 

ROAD SWEET ROAD
Since Pat Ferschweiler took over in 2021-22, the Broncos have been exceptional on the road, especially in non-conference play. In his time as the head coach, WMU has produced a 14-3-1 record in non-conference road games. 

That strong record includes wins over Michigan, Michigan State, Colgate and St. Lawrence, among others. WMU hasn't lost a road game in non-conference play since Oct. 28, 2022. 

GETTING IT DONE ON BOTH ENDS
Through three games this season, WMU has been outstanding at creating chances for itself and limiting them for opposing teams. The Broncos lead the nation in scoring margin at 3.67. They are one of four teams at three or higher. 

Entering the weekend matchup, Western Michigan is second in the nation at 5.00 goals per game. On the flip side, the Broncos are sixth in the nation in scoring defense, averaging 1.33 goals allowed per game. WMU is the only team in the nation to be top six in both categories. 

The Broncos have had a top-10 scoring offense and top-20 scoring defense every season under Pat Ferschweiler (took over in 2021-22). 

BLOCK PARTY
Early in the 2024-25 season, Western Michigan has shown a willingness to get in front of shots, averaging 13.33 blocks per game. That mark is first in the NCHC. 

In total, WMU has blocked 40 shots in three games, including a season-high 17 blocks in a season-opening win against Ferris State. The Broncos had 15 blocks in a 6-2 win over Bowling Green last week. 

HAMMER TIME
Part of a 10-player rookie class for the Broncos, goaltender Hampton Slukynsky entered the program with big expectations. He has lived up to the billing thus far. 

The Warroad, Minn. native has played in one official game, along with two exhibitions. He has allowed just one goal. He picked up his first career win in his first career start on Oct. 12 at Ferris State. The first-year goaltender stopped 28 shots in the 5-1 victory for the Broncos. 

Prior to starting his career in Kalamazoo, Slukynsky had quite the resume. He played one year with Fargo in the USHL, helping the Force win the Clark Cup. He was named the USHL Goaltender of the Year and earned First Team All-USHL status. Along with that, USA Hockey selected him as the Dave Peterson Goalie of the Year. 

DOMINATING THE DOT
Western Michigan has been dominant in the faceoff circle to start the 2024-25 campaign, currently sitting at a 61.9 percent win rate. That mark is good for second in the nation and first in the NCHC. 

The Broncos' top three centers have been elite at winning draws, spearheaded by captain Tim Washe. The veteran center has won 75 percent of his faceoffs (48/64) so far this season. He's been the NCHC's leader in win percentage each of the last two years. 

Matteo Costantini and Grant Slukynsky have also been exceptional, sitting at 62.7 percent and 56.4 percent, respectively. Costantini, Slukynsky and Washe are responsible for 107 of the team's 120 faceoff wins this season. 

SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Boston College is off to a strong start to the 2024-25 season, carrying a 2-1-0 record into the weekend. BC's only loss came on the road to No. 4 Michigan State. 

The Eagles won their home opener last Friday against AIC and took care of the USNTDP in an exhibition game the following night.

Through three games, BC has been led by Gabe Perreault and James Hagens. Both have five points, with Perreault having two goals and three assists and Hagens tallying one goal and four assists. Beyond those two, BC has a trio of players at three points. 

In net, Jacob Fowler has started all three games this season. He boasts a 2-1-0 record, 1.35 goals against average and .945 save percentage. He has two shutouts in three games. Fowler is the NCAA's active leader in career save percentage (.927).  

CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Since the start of the 2021-22 season Western Michigan has been consistently among the top teams in the nation, and the polls reflect that. WMU has made three straight NCAA Tournaments and currently sits at No. 13 in the nation. 

The Broncos have been ranked in the top-20 since Oct. 11, 2021.