KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Western Michigan will close out the regular season with a trip to Oxford, Ohio for a pair of games against Miami. Friday's series opener is set for 7 PM EST at Goggin Ice Center. 

LAST TIME OUT
The Broncos won a series against North Dakota, taking four of six points on the weekend. WMU had nine goals from eight different players on the weekend. Tim Washe and Joona Väisänen each had three points in the series. 

PARTY WITH THE PENROSE
WMU reached 51 points last weekend, securing the program's first ever Penrose Cup. 

Western Michigan is just the fourth program in the NCHC to hoist the Penrose Cup, joining North Dakota, Denver and St. Cloud State. Prior to the 2024-25 campaign, the Brown and Gold had never won a regular season conference championship. 

The Broncos will now be the No. 1 seed in the NCHC Tournament, which is set to begin with the quarterfinal round on March 14-16 at Lawson Arena. Pending this weekend's results, WMU will host either St. Cloud State or Minnesota Duluth. Western Michigan swept both during the regular season. 

OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION
Western Michigan has been known for explosive offense under head coach Pat Ferschweiler, and the 2024-25 season is nothing new. The Broncos currently rank third in the nation, averaging 3.78 goals per game. 

However, since the calendar turned to 2025, WMU's offense has taken an even bigger step forward. In 16 games, the Broncos have scored 70 total goals for an average of 4.38 per game. Western Michigan has scored four or more goals 11 times in the second half of the season. On the flip side of that, the Brown and Gold have scored two or fewer goals just twice in that same stretch. 

Alex Bump, Liam Valente, Owen Michaels and Iiro Hakkarainen are all at seven goals or better in the last 16 games. Bump leads the team with 24 points on 11 goals and 13 assists in the second half of the season. 

FINNISH PHENOM
Freshman defenseman Joona Väisänen racked up the awards this week, securing the NCHC's Rookie of the Month award while also being named the league's Defenseman of the Week. 

During the month of February, he totaled eight points on two goals and six assists. He was great against North Dakota this past weekend, recording three assists, including a helper on the Penrose Cup Clinching goal. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick has been sensational this season, entering the weekend series with 21 points on three goals and 18 assists. He has at least one point in five of his last seven games. 

Most of his damage has come in the second half of the season, as Väisänen has produced 14 points on two goals and 12 assists since the calendar turned to 2025. Along with that, he has blocked 15 shots and is +9 in that stretch. 

WASHE'S WINNERS
Senior captain Tim Washe has put together a career season in 2024-25, and he's shined in the biggest moments. 

The Clarkston, Mich. native has 10 goals this season, with six of those being game winners. His latest came on Feb. 28 against North Dakota, helping the Broncos secure the program's first ever Penrose Cup. 

He leads the NCHC and is fourth in the nation in game-winning goals this season. He has nine for his career. With one more game-winning goal, he will break the program's single-season record. 

Through 32 games, Washe has produced career highs in points (24), goals (10), assists (14) and plus/minus (+15). 

SCOUTING THE REDHAWKS
Miami has struggled this season, producing just three wins. The RedHawks haven't won a game since Oct. 26 and have just four total points in conference play. 

WMU is 86-71-13 all-time against Miami, including wins in 15 of the last 16 meetings. The Broncos swept the RedHawks earlier this season, earning an 8-3 victory on Jan. 24 before securing a 2-0 win the next night. 

Colby Ambrosio and Johnny Waldron have paced the team in points, with both entering the weekend at 18. Ambrosio has six goals and 12 assists, while Waldron has produced four goals and 14 assists. Ambrosio is tied for the team lead in goals alongside Ryan Sullivan and Casper Nassen. 

In net, the RedHawks haven't found an answer. Three goalies have played five or more games this season, with Bruno Bruveris seeing the most work. In 18 games, he has registered a 2-12-2 record, 3.86 goals against average and .875 save percentage. Ethan Dahlmeir has played in 14 games, posting a 1-10-1 record, 4.04 GAA and .870 save percentage. Brett Miller is 0-4-0 with a 3.85 GAA and .871 save percentage. 

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. 4 in the nation. 

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