KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey program and head coach Pat Ferschweiler have announced Owen Michaels as the team's captain for the 2025-26 season. Alongside Michaels, Cole Crusberg-Roseen, Samuel Sjolund and Grant Slukynsky will serve as assistant captains.   

"It is an honor being named captain of this team," Michaels said. "It's a privilege to wear the Bronco jersey, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to lead this team alongside Samuel Sjolund, Cole Crusberg-Roseen and Grant Slukynsky." 

Michaels is in his third year with the program, coming off a career-best season. The Northville, Mich. native tallied 36 points on 18 goals and 18 assists in 2024-25, leading the Brown and Gold to the National Championship. Michaels scored four goals in the Frozen Four to earn Most Outstanding Player honors. 

Over the course of his career, Michaels has totaled 43 points on 20 goals and 23 assists in 80 games. He's also proven to be a great player in the dot, winning 54.5 percent of his faceoffs. The veteran forward has two power-play goals, two game-winning goals and a +33 rating. 

Crusberg-Roseen had a breakout sophomore season, posting 12 points on three goals and nine assists. His biggest contribution was a goal in the National Championship, pushing the Brown and Gold ahead in the first period. Along with his offensive skill, Crusberg-Roseen led the team with 62 blocked shots and helped WMU's penalty killing unit maintain a top-five national ranking.  

Sjolund is WMU's top returning defenseman, scoring 29 points on four goals and 25 assists last season. The Swedish blue liner added a +19 rating and 36 blocked shots. He was selected to the Fargo Regional All-Tournament Team and was a finalist for the NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year award. Over his career, Sjolund has produced 47 points on seven goals and 40 assists. 

Slukynsky is in just his second year with the program, but he burst onto the scene as a transfer last season. The Warroad, Minn. native scored 36 points on 10 goals and a team-leading 26 assists in 2024-25. He added a +19 rating and two-game winning goals. One of those game winners came in double overtime against Minnesota State to push the Broncos into the NCAA Regional Final. 

WMU will open its season on Oct. 4 with an exhibition against the USNTDP at Lawson Arena. The regular-season opener is set for Oct. 9 at home against Ferris State.