KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan head coach Pat Ferschweiler was named a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award, the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) announced this afternoon. 

The award is given annually to the CCM/AHCA Division I Men's Hockey Coach of the Year, and the winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 8. 

Ferschweiler was joined by David Carle (Denver), Mike Cavanaugh (UConn), Guy Gadowsky (Penn State), JF Houle (Clarkson), Jay Pandolfo (Boston University), Bill Riga (Holy Cross), Brett Riley (Long Island), Steve Rohlik (Ohio State) and Luke Strand (Minnesota State). 

WMU's fourth-year head coach has the Broncos making history in 2024-25, securing the program's first ever Penrose Cup, NCHC Frozen Faceoff title and Frozen Four berth. Along with that, the Brown and Gold have tied the program record for wins with 32 so far this season. 

Ferschweiler has been a finalist for the award in two of the last three seasons. No WMU coach has ever been selected as the winner. The Rochester, Minn. native was named the NCHC Coach of the Year this season and earned his 100th career win against Denver back on March 22. He is the fastest coach in program history to reach that mark. 

The Western Michigan bench boss is looking to become the third NCHC head coach to win the award. Brad Berry was awarded the honor in 2020, while Denver's Jim Montgomery won the award in 2017.