Couches go up in flames as WMU fans celebrate hockey national championship

KALAMAZOO, MI — Several couches were set ablaze in driveways of fraternity houses as students celebrated Western Michigan University’s NCAA hockey national championship on Saturday, April 12.

Fires were spotted around 10:30 p.m. in the cul-de-sac of Fraternity Village Drive. Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were patrolling the area to extinguish the fires and prevent more from being lit.

Video, below, shows one couch up in flames near the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Fans were hooting and hollering in the streets not long after WMU defeated Boston University in the championship game 6-2. There were victory cheers, loud music and some firecrackers lit off.

“This is the first time in my life that Western’s really ever won anything,” said Sam, a celebrating student who only identified himself by first name. “I just can’t even explain the feeling. Downtown Kalamazoo is going up in flames right now. Literally. There’s three fires around here.”

Revelers said the team’s win puts WMU on the map.

“I feel so proud,” said WMU junior Chanel Mati. “It’s all in good fun. It’s just a bonfire. But better.”

MORE: National champs! Western Michigan hockey’s dream season ends with first title

Lambda Chi Alpha internal VP Corbin Fitch extinguishes a burning couch on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Fraternity Village Drive in Kalamazoo after Western Michigan University beat Boston for the NCAA championship title. Arthur H. Trickett-Wile | MLive.com

Lambda Chi Alpha members celebrate with a burning couch on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Fraternity Village Drive in Kalamazoo after Western Michigan University beat Boston for the NCAA championship title. Arthur H. Trickett-Wile | MLive.com