Today · 2:00 AM UTC
San Jose vs Ontario
Today · 2:00 AM UTC
Tucson vs Abbotsford
Today · 3:00 PM UTC
Gold vs Red
Today · 5:30 PM UTC
Grey vs Green
Today · 7:00 PM UTC
SS Kings vs Spud Kings
Today · 9:30 PM UTC
Red vs Black
Today · 11:00 PM UTC
Chiefs vs Cyclones
Today · 11:00 PM UTC
Fort Erie vs St. Catharines
Today · 11:05 PM UTC
Providence vs Springfield
Today · 11:05 PM UTC
Syracuse vs Rochester
Today · 11:05 PM UTC
W-B/Scranton vs Lehigh Valley
Today · 11:10 PM UTC
Norfolk vs Wheeling
Today · 11:30 PM UTC
Hearst vs Greater Sudbury
Today · 11:30 PM UTC
Chatham vs St. Marys
Today · 11:30 PM UTC
Carleton Place vs Rockland
NCAA DI Men's Hockey

Frozen Four Championship: BU, Western Michigan Players To Watch Closely

Frozen Four Championship: BU, Western Michigan Players To Watch Closely

In a thrilling championship game matchup, Chris Peters identifies six players that could define the championship game at the 2025 NCAA Men's Frozen Four.

Apr 12, 2025 by Chris Peters
null

0:00
0:00 / 0:00
  • Auto
  • 1080
  • 720
  • 480
  • 360
  • 136

ST. LOUIS – One of college hockey’s traditional powerhouses meets a first-time championship game participant with history staring both in the face. 

For Boston University, it’s a chance to erase several years of close calls and late-season heartache as they chase championship No. 6 and their first since 2009.

For Western Michigan, it is a chance to ascend to the mountain top for the first time after 52 years with very little hardware to show for it.

This season has been different for the Broncos. Very different. In fact, they should enter Saturday’s game as a heavy favorite for anyone that has been paying attention to them this season. They are the NCHC regular-season and playoff champion. They knocked off Denver in the NCHC championship game and the national semifinal in double overtime. They have won 33 of 41 games this season.

But this is hockey and favorites are merely a suggestion.

BU enters Saturday’s game with 14 NHL draft picks, big-game victories at the Friendship Four in Belfast, the Beanpot in Boston and now a comfortable 3-1 win over Penn State in the national semifinal. They are led by an alum who won a title as a player in Jay Pandolfo, who has never missed a Frozen Four in his career as a player or coach. They have the pedigree.

History only means so much, though. The games will be decided by the players. Here’s a look at six that I think will be definitive players of this matchup. Perhaps the hero of the tournament is in this group, but more directly, these are the players that I think can have the most profound impact on their team’s chances coming into Saturday’s finale.

Players To Watch In The Frozen Four Championship Game

Hampton Slukynsky, G, Western Michigan (LAK)

The Hammer is proven. After becoming WMU’s full-time No. 1 for the postseason, he hasn’t lost. He hasn’t allowed more than three goals in a game since March 1 and allowed more than two only twice in that span in nine straight wins. Slukynsky is the kind of goalie NHL teams are looking for. He is composed, consistent, competitive and he seems to rise to the moment. The reigning USHL goalie of the year and a Clark Cup champion last year can make the most of his first season of college hockey with a national championship and he looks poised to give his team that chance.

Mikhail Yegorov, G, Boston University (NJD)

When Jay Pandolfo decided to bring Yegorov in at midseason, he wasn’t sure that he would be the team’s No. 1 going forward, but Yegorov took the job and never gave it back. The 6-foot-5 Russian netminder is 11-5-1 with a .934 save percentage and 1.98 goals-against average in 17 appearances since arriving. He helped BU win the Beanpot and made 17 saves in the third period of Thursday’s win over Penn State. He has NHL size, he’s athletic and he’s among the more intelligent young goalies you’ll find. Selected in the second round just last June, this guy has all the makings of a future NHL goalie.

Cole Hutson, D, Boston University (WSH)

Just three points behind older brother Quinn for the team scoring lead, Cole Hutson was named the national rookie of the year Friday night. He is one of the most dynamic defensemen in the country and has continued a trend within his family of being a dominant producer for BU. He has 47 points this season in 38 games. One more and he matches older brother Lane’s freshman total that, at that point, was the highest-scoring first season since Brian Leetch was a freshman at Boston College in the 1980s. Cole can change the game in an instant with his incredible skating ability and puck-movement skills. He’s also an extremely dangerous shooter with 14 goals on the season.

Alex Bump, LW, Western Michigan (PHI)

Despite not having any points, anyone that watched the game against Denver saw that Bump stands out. He has grown more power elements in his game, but also has tremendous skill with the puck. He can and will shoot from anywhere and challenge goalies. He has 47 points, 11 more than his next closest teammate, 23 of those points are goals. He plays major minutes in any game, but saw nearly 28 of ice time in the 2OT win over Denver. I expect him to sign with Philadelphia after his season is over, so you know he wants to close things out with a national championship.

Tim Washe, C, Western Michigan (UFA)

The captain of WMU was tabbed as the greatest leader in college hockey by his coach Pat Ferschweiler. Washe is a fifth-year player and his status as an all-time great Bronco is already secured. But he can really put the icing on a memorable career with that championship. He is second on the team with 36 points, is a physical force and as well-rounded a player as you’ll see in this game. He has the size and the pace to challenge BU’s defense and should be a big factor in the game. NHL teams should be investigating how to get him under contract as soon as possible.

Shane Lachance, C, Boston University (NJD)

Though he’s a sophomore, Lachance wears a C for BU. He also takes up a ton of ice. Drafted by Edmonton, but his rights traded to New Jersey this year, Lachance is a massive human. He is 6-foot-5 and nearly 220 pounds. He can get to the hard areas and use his power to overwhelm the opposition. He has 29 points this year including 11 goals, but impacts the game in all three zones. A Clark Cup champion with Youngstown two years ago, he has a chance to add more hardware to his trophy case at the school his father Scott also called home.

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best and most complete coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft news is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

Watch ECHL, USHL, AHL And More On FloHockey

FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social