Western Michigan Hosts Colorado College for NCHC Series at Lawson Arena

Western Michigan hockey hosts Colorado College on Friday, Nov. 13, for the first NCHC series this season at Lawson Arena, Western Michigan University Athletics reported.

Puck drop for the opening game is set for 7 p.m. ET, followed by a 6 p.m. ET start on Saturday, Nov. 14. Fans can stream the games on NCHC.tv or listen on WKZO.

The Broncos return to Kalamazoo after opening November on the road in Grand Forks, North Dakota. WMU split that series opener with a shootout win before falling 4-1 to the Fighting Hawks.

WMU enters the weekend with 949 program wins, putting the team one victory away from the 950-win milestone. The Broncos currently hold a 4-0-0 record at Lawson Arena this season.

All Time Record Against Tigers

Western Michigan holds a 16-7-2 record against Colorado College at Lawson Arena. The Tigers have not won in Kalamazoo since Jan. 27, 2024.

The last meeting between the two programs came during the NCHC Quarterfinals, resulting in a WMU sweep. The Broncos are unbeaten in the last four matchups against Colorado College at 3-0-1.

WMU leads the all-time series 29-14-8 in a rivalry dating back to December 2002. The Bronco offense enters the weekend tied for second nationally by averaging 4.78 goals per game.

European Skaters Power Offense

Western Michigan skaters from Europe have combined for 41 points this season, leading all NCAA Division I teams. Freshman forward Adam Benák paces the group with 15 points, including five goals and ten assists.

Junior defenseman Joona Väisänen follows with 13 points on five goals and eight assists. Väisänen was named to the U.S. Collegiate Selects for the 2026 Spengler Cup, becoming the first Bronco selected for the team.

Junior defenseman Theo Wallberg has contributed eight assists, while junior forward Iiro Hakkarainen has added five assists. Overall, 21 different Broncos have recorded a point this season.

Scoring Defense and Penalty Kill

WMU ranks tied for seventh nationally in scoring defense by allowing just 1.89 goals per game. The penalty-kill unit operates at 85.9 percent, the highest success rate in Division I regular-season conference games since the 2023-24 season.

Colorado College travels to Kalamazoo with a 7-2-1 overall record under head coach Kris Mayotte. The Tigers rank third nationally in defense, allowing only 1.50 goals per game while killing penalties at a 93.5 percent clip.

Goaltender Jackson Unger has played every minute for Colorado College this season, posting a 7-2-1 record with a 1.49 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage.

Final Season at Historic Arena

The 2026-27 campaign marks the final season at Lawson Arena for Western Michigan hockey. Named after program founding father Harry W. Lawson, the venue has housed the team since the 1974-75 season.

WMU is celebrating five decades at the arena with special events and promotions throughout the year. The first 500 fans attending Friday’s matchup will receive a Lawson Arena pennant.

Tickets for the weekend series remain available through wmubroncos.com/tickets.

Where to Watch or Listen to the Games

Where can fans watch or listen to the series?

Fans can stream both games live on NCHC.tv. Audio broadcasts are available on WKZO at 106.9 FM, 102.7 FM, 590 AM, and 930 AM.

What are the game times for the weekend?

Friday’s puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, and Saturday’s game begins at 6 p.m. ET.

What promotional items are available for fans attending?

The first 500 fans entering Lawson Arena for Friday’s game will receive a commemorative Lawson Arena pennant.

More on this story: North Dakota defeats Western Michigan 4-1 in series finale