GRAND FORKS, N.D. - #5/5 Western Michigan hockey (6-1-0, 0-0-0 NCHC) is set to open its conference schedule with a top-10 matchup at Ralph Engelstad Arena as it takes on #10/10 North Dakota (4-3-0, 0-0-0 NCHC). Game one is set for Friday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. ET, and the series finale is Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. ET.

Both contests will stream on NCHC.TV and are available over the air on the Bronco Radio Network, 106.9 FM, 102.7 FM, 590 AM and 930 AM.

The two teams are the final NCHC programs that have yet to play NCHC action this season. The Broncos enter the series one win away from No. 950 in program history. The Broncos are 5-0-0 in their last five conference openers, with the last three wins coming on the road.

NUMBERS TO KNOW
WMU owns the nation's best scoring offense at 5.71 goals per game, totaling 40, the second-most in Division I. 21 Broncos have tallied at least one point, tied for the second-most, and WMU's 15 goal scorers are tied for the third-most in the nation.

Senior forward William Whitelaw has a point in all seven games this season, with 14 points (7G-7A), tied for third in Division I. Freshman forward Adam Benák leads all Division I freshmen in points (13) and assists (10). The pair took home NCHC monthly honors as Forward of the Month (Whitelaw) and Rookie of the Month (Benák).

In between the pipes, sophomore goaltender Quentin Miller boasts a 6-1-0 record with a 1.57 goals-against average, a .928 save percentage and two shutouts.

NO-FLY ZONE
Since becoming WMU's bench boss in 2021-22, head coach Pat Ferschweiler has recorded the most wins in the nation against North Dakota, going 10-7-1 against the Fighting Hawks. The Broncos have outscored North Dakota 57-50 and outshot them 563-447 in those contests. The teams split their last series at Lawson Ice Arena, Feb. 27-28, 2026.

MILESTONE WATCH
Senior forward Zaccharya Wisdom: one goal from 40 for his career
Sophomore goaltender Quentin Miller: one save from 750 for his career; two wins from 20
Senior forward William Whitelaw: two points from 50 as a Bronco; three goals from 50 for his career
Junior defenseman Michael Neumeier: four points from 50 for his career
Sophomore forward Bobby Cowan: four games from 50 for his career
Junior defenseman Joona Väisänen: six points from 50 for his career

SCOUTING NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota enters the series after three straight losses, all by 5-3, including the most recent to then-#4/4 Michigan State in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game in Austin, Texas.

Sophomore forwards Cole Reschny (4G-4A) and Will Zellers (3G-5A) lead the Fighting Hawks with eight points apiece. Freshman netminder Caleb Heil is 2-1-0 with a 1.35 goals-against average, a .934 save percentage and two shutouts.

North Dakota's power play is operating at 33.3 percent (11-33), tied for seventh in the nation. Since 2023-24, Western Michigan has ranked third in Division I and first in the NCHC, killing 85.8 percent of opponent power plays in conference games (212-247).  This season, the Broncos' penalty kill is at 91.7 percent (22-24), tied for 11th in the nation. 

The Fighting Hawks lead the all-time series 32-17-1.

NEXT UP
After Saturday, the Broncos return home to Lawson Ice Arena for a two-game series with Colorado College on Nov. 13-14. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14.

FINAL SEASON AT LAWSON
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. Throughout the 2026-27 season, WMU hockey will be celebrating its five-plus decades at Lawson Arena with special events, promotions and 'Fan Friday' giveaways. Secure your tickets and help us celebrate the Final Season at Lawson Arena at wmubroncos.com/tickets.