HOCKEY
It all comes down to this at the 2025 Frozen Four.
Western Michigan, making its first national championship game appearance in school history, takes on Boston University, which is in the title game after falling in the semifinals each of the last two seasons. One team will finally get its breakthrough on Saturday.
Western Michigan defeated Denver, the reigning champions, 3-2 in double overtime of the semifinal. Boston on the other hand beat Penn State 3-1 behind two goals in the second period.
REQUIRED READING: Frozen Four highlights: Western Michigan downs Denver in double overtime
BU is looking for its sixth-ever national championship and first in 16 years, whereas Western Michigan hopes to bring home its first ever trophy.
Follow along below as USA TODAY Sports brings live analysis, updates and highlights from the Frozen Four national championship game:
NCAA hockey championship score
This section will be updated live.
Team123FBoston University110—Western Michigan211—
Western Michigan maintains a 4-2 lead midway through the third period over Boston University.
NCAA hockey championship live updates
Huge save by Western Michigan
BU nearly shortens the deficit to 4-3, but Western Michigan goalie Hampton Slukynsky comes up with the big save to keep the Broncos‘ lead to 4-2.
Western Michigan doubles lead
The Broncos extend their lead to 4-2 on a goal from Owen Michaels. Western Michigan is starting to feel it.
Who is Cam Knuble?
Knuble is a graduate forward from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is in his fifth season with the Western Michigan.
Knuble put on a nasty juke before passing an assist for the Broncos’ third goal of the game.
Western Michigan leads 3-2 after 2nd period
The Broncos are holding strong, leading Boston U 3-2 heading into the final period. Western Michigan just 20 minutes away from potentially winning its first-ever men’s hockey championship.
BU gets a goal back
Boston U gets a goal back, making the score 3-2 courtesy of Shane Lachance. Western Michigan challenges the goal, but the officials confirm the score.
Western Michigan adds onto lead
WMU takes a 3-1 lead on the goal from Ty Henricks with 14:42 left in the second period. Cam Knuble put on a beautiful move before finding Henricks for the assist. What a play.
Western Michigan leads 2-1 after 1st period
The Broncos hold a 2-1 edge after the first period, as they’ve outshot the Terriers 9-8 so far. Both offenses are getting plenty of chances so far.
Another look at BU’s first goal
Here’s another look at Boston U’s first goal, which just snuck in the goal after looking like a Western Michigan save:
Western Michigan fires back
The Broncos are back on top 2-1 following the goal from Cole Crusberg-Roseen, who rebounds Owen Michaels’ narrow miss for the lead. The goal stands as unassisted.
Western Michigan with two unlikely goal scorers so far, as Schingoethe and Crusberg-Roseen entered the game with four and two goals, respectively, this season.
Boston U ties it
In what first appeared to be a save for Western Michigan, Boston U strikes back on a goal that sneaks through past the Broncos’ goalie.
We’re tied 1-1 midway through the first period as Cole Eiserman is credited with the goal.
Western Michigan with the early goal
That didn’t take long. The Broncos are on the board only 1:38 into the game, as forward Wyatt Schingoethe drops one in for the 1-0 lead.
Iiro Hakkarainen and Tim Washe pick up the assists.
National championship underway
Western Michigan and Boston U are underway. One final game to decide the national championship.
NCAA trophy on the ice
Here’s a look at what’s at stake on Saturday evening, as Boston U and Western Michigan battle for the national championship.
Who won the Hobey Baker Award?
Michigan State forward Isaac Howard was named the Hobey Baker Award winner on Friday night. The award is given to college hockey’s top player each season.
Howard led the country averaging 1.41 points per game this season. He ranked fifth in points with 26 goals and 26 assists in 37 games, helping lead the Spartans to a Big Ten championship this season.
NCAA hockey championship betting odds
- Spread: Western Michigan (-1.5)
- Over/under: 5.5
- Moneyline: Western Michigan -125 | Boston University +100
NCAA hockey championship time today
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Date: Saturday, April 12
- Location: Enterprise Center (St. Louis)
Where to watch NCAA hockey championship
- TV channel: ESPN2
- Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo
The NCAA hockey national championship game between Western Michigan and Boston University will air live on ESPN2, with streaming options available on the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
