There was chaos near the goal early in the third period as Boston University looked to even the score Saturday night.
But Western Michigan deflected multiple Terriers shot attempts to maintain its 3-2 lead. The Broncos dominated from that point forward to pick up their first national championship win.
Shortly after, they took a 4-2 lead with 12:44 left in the third period, inching closer to victory. Western Michigan then scored another at 16:02 to extend its lead to 5-2. The Broncos clinched the 6-2 victory with an empty-net goal with 2:08 to go.
The win marks Western Michigan’s first national title in program history. Boston University, a six-time champion, had its title drought extend to 16 years.
USA TODAY Sports brought live analysis, updates and highlights from the Frozen Four national championship game.
NCAA hockey championship score
This section will be updated live.
Western Michigan wins it 6-2, riding a big final period in which it scored three goals to take a 6-2 lead. The Broncos are the 2025 national champs, winning their first in school history.
NCAA hockey championship live updates
Western Michigan goes up 6-2
Boston U pulls its goalie as it looks to make a late comeback, but Western Michigan scores into the empty net for its third goal of the period and a 6-2 lead.
Western Michigan is going to win its first national title ever in convincing fashion.
Western Michigan pouring it on
The Broncos add its second goal of the third period courtesy of Iiro Hakkarainen, who extends Western Michigan’s lead to 5-2 with under four minutes left. That all but seals it for WMU.
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 at 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 put on a nasty juke before assisting on 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 is 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 to lead
WMU takes a 3-1 lead on the goal from Ty Henricks with 14:42 left in the second period. Cam Knuble made a beautiful move before finding Henricks for the goal. 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.
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 scores on rebound of 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.