KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan will head into the NCAA Tournament ranked as one of the top teams in the country. 

The Broncos moved up two spots to No. 13 in the USA Hockey/The Rink Live poll and jumped up one spot in the USCHO poll to No. 14. WMU has been ranked in every poll since October of 2021. 

The Brown and Gold enter NCAA Tournament play this week, squaring off with Michigan State in the opening round on Friday, March 29. The Broncos and Spartans will battle at 5 p.m. ET on ESPNU. 

Western Michigan will make its ninth overall trip to the NCAA Tournament and third straight appearance. This marks the first time in program history that WMU has earned three straight berths to the national tournament. 

This season, WMU has been celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Bronco Varsity Hockey, which has been 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 on Jan. 26-27. In addition, every season ticket holder has received a special 50th Anniversary puck to commemorate this season.