KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan freshman Alex Bump has been named to the Tim Taylor Rookie of the Year Award Watch List, given annually to the nation's top first-year player. 

Bump is joined on the watch list by 31 other players, including four from the NCHC. The NCHC has had one player win the award, with Scott Perunovich earning the honor back in 2018. 

The Burnsville, Minn. native has been excellent for the Broncos this season, producing 18 points on six goals and 12 assists in 24 games. Since moving to the first line in mid-November, his game has taken off. He's scored 15 points on six goals and nine assists in that stretch. 

Over his last 10 games, Bump has been a well-rounded contributor on offense, totaling eight points on four goals and four assists. He's currently riding a three-game point streak. 

Bump and the Broncos have a big matchup this weekend at Denver. Both teams are ranked top-15 in the national polls. The series opener is set for Feb. 2 at 9 p.m. ET inside Magness Arena.