GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team returns to the Great Lakes Invitational this season, and will open up the 60th edition of the tournament against host Michigan Tech. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:30 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Michigan State is set to face Lindenwood in the second game of the day, with the tournament slated to wrap up with two more games the following day.
 
The Broncos are in the tournament for the eighth time in their history and have won four titles, the most recent of which came in 2022. Western Michigan's last appearance came in 2024, with the Brown and Gold defeating Michigan Tech in overtime before falling to MSU in the championship game.
 
Tickets for the 60th Great Lakes Invitational are on sale now. Bronco fans can get their tickets online by visiting wmubroncos.com/tickets, or by stopping by the Van Andel Arena box office during regular hours.
 
The Broncos open the 2026-27 campaign with a home exhibition game against Western Ontario on Saturday at 6 pm. WMU begins the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 8, as Ferris State comes to Lawson Arena at 7 pm.
 
The 2026-27 campaign marks the Final Season at historic Lawson Arena for Western Michigan hockey. Named after the founding father of the program, Harry W. Lawson, the arena has been home to Bronco hockey since the 1974-75 season. All throughout the 2026-27 season, WMU hockey will be celebrating its five-plus decades at Lawson Arena with special events, giveaways and promotions. Secure your tickets and help us celebrate the Final Season at Lawson Arena by going to wmubroncos.com/tickets.