Main Story

No. 5 Western Michigan visits No. 10 North Dakota for both teams’ opening weekend of NCHC play. The Broncos arrive at 6-1 after a high-scoring sweep, while North Dakota is looking to stop a three-game skid. The teams meet only once during the regular season.

By the Numbers
  • Western Michigan: 6-1-0; outscored Long Island 17-6 in its sweep.
  • North Dakota: 4-3-0 after losing three straight, each by a 5-3 score.
  • WMU’s William Whitelaw has 14 points in 7 games; freshman Adam Benák has 13.
  • North Dakota leads the all-time series 32-17-1; Western Michigan is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings.
Yes, But

Western Michigan has the stronger recent form, but North Dakota’s home-ice advantage and long-standing success in the series make the matchup far from settled. The Broncos’ recent edge in the rivalry has been narrow.

What's Next

The teams begin conference play with their only regular-season meeting of the season, making the result an early test in the NCHC race.

Bottom Line

Western Michigan brings momentum and potent scoring; North Dakota needs a response after three straight losses. The opening conference matchup offers both teams a chance to set the tone.