There are two huge hockey games with one being tonight between the defending National champion Western Michigan Broncos, and the top ranked Michigan Wolverines.  These two teams are both starting hot and look for some of these game trends to come into play as soon as the puck drops.

The Wolverines' offense has been nothing short of a machine to begin the 2025-26 season. They have outscored their first six opponents by an incredible 40-7 margin, including sweeps over Providence and Robert Morris. This scoring outburst is led by sophomore forward Michael Hage, a Montreal Canadiens prospect, who has 11 points in six games. He is supported by sophomore Will Horcoff and junior Ben Robertson, who each have nine points, and a stellar freshman class that includes Cole McKinney and Malcolm Spence. Michigan's potent power play is converting at a scorching 45.8%.

However, Western Michigan presents a much tougher defensive challenge than Michigan has faced so far. Despite the explosive offense, Wolverines coach Brandon Naurato has pointed to his team's defense as a key to their success. They will need that defensive integrity against the Broncos, who are driven by a stingy defense and strong goaltending. While Western Michigan's scoring attack may not match Michigan's depth, the Broncos can still light the lamp, led by transfer forward William Whitelaw and veteran Owen Michaels.

The battle for possession

A key factor to watch will be faceoffs, where Western Michigan holds a distinct advantage. The Broncos are second in the nation with a 56.6% faceoff win rate, led by Owen Michaels, who has won 68.6% of his draws. Winning faceoffs can be a crucial indicator of control, as it can lead to sustained offensive pressure and limit an opponent's chances. Michigan, however, has also been strong at the dot this season, ranking sixth nationally in faceoff percentage, with captain T.J. Hughes leading the charge. The winner of this possession battle will likely dictate the flow of the game.

Special teams showdown

The special teams battle will be another major factor. Michigan's power play has been electric, but Western Michigan boasts a potent penalty kill. The Wolverines will also have to contend with Western Michigan's knack for shorthanded goals, a statistic in which Michigan itself leads the nation. The team that can capitalize on its man-advantage opportunities and shut down its opponent's special teams will have a significant edge.

The home-and-home dynamic

The home-and-home format adds another layer of intrigue to the series. The teams will play in front of two different, but equally passionate, home crowds. The series begins in Ann Arbor at Yost Ice Arena, which is known for its intense atmosphere. The action then shifts to Kalamazoo, where the Broncos will benefit from the home-ice advantage at Lawson Arena. Last season, the teams split the series, with each winning on home ice. This weekend, the home-and-home split could be a recurring theme.

Whitelaw's return to Yost

The series will also feature a key storyline, as Western Michigan's leading scorer William Whitelaw, a former Wolverine, returns to Yost Ice Arena. Whitelaw spent last season in Ann Arbor before transferring to Kalamazoo. He is currently tied with Hage for the team lead in points with 5. He will be motivated to prove himself against his former team, which adds another element of intrigue to this already heated rivalry.

Conclusion

This is a marquee matchup between two elite programs with a history of close contests. While Michigan's offense has been dominant, Western Michigan's national title pedigree and faceoff prowess make them a worthy contender. The game could come down to special teams, faceoff battles, and which team's defense can hold up against the opponent's firepower. It will be a tight and exciting series to watch for any college hockey fan.