By Daniel 
Broncos Take Down Denver in Double Overtime to Win First Frozen Faceoff Championship
In a thrilling finish, Western Michigan claimed its first-ever NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship with a dramatic 4-3 win over Denver. The Broncos fought back from a 3-0 deficit, with Alex Bump scoring the game-winning goal in double overtime to seal the victory.
It was an exciting night for the Broncos, as they picked up their 30th win of the season and gave head coach Pat Ferschweiler his 100th career victory. Bump finished the game with two goals, while Zack Sharp and Tim Washe also scored. Goalie Hampton Slukynsky picked up his 15th win of the season, making key saves when the Broncos needed it most.
First Period
The game started with some penalty drama, as the Broncos were called for tripping in the opening minute, but they held strong and didn’t allow a shot. After getting back to full strength, the Broncos began to heat up, with Bump and Brian Kramer putting shots on goal. A power play opportunity for WMU came late in the period, but they couldn’t convert, and the first period ended in a 0-0 tie.
Second Period
Denver struck first with an early goal, and despite some great saves from Slukynsky, the Pioneers extended their lead to 3-0. The Broncos didn’t back down, though, with Matteo Costantini and Liam Valente both nearly getting goals. However, Denver carried the three-goal lead into the final frame.
Third Period
The Broncos were called for interference early in the period, but it didn’t stop their momentum. Sharp got one past Denver’s goalie to cut the lead to 3-1. WMU kept attacking, and Bump scored his 22nd goal of the season to make it 3-2. With just a few minutes left, Washe fired a shot from the blue line that found the net to tie the game at 3-3, sending it to overtime.
Overtime
The first overtime saw some great chances for WMU, including a power play and shots from Bump, Washe, and Kramer, but Denver’s goalie made key saves. With time running out in the second overtime, Bump fired a shot that beat Denver’s goalie to give the Broncos their historic first Frozen Faceoff Championship.
**Up Next**
Western Michigan now awaits the NCAA Tournament, with the selection show set for 3 PM tomorrow on ESPNU. The Broncos will find out who and where they’ll play in the next round.