Denver, CO
See our favorite photos from Western Michigan vs. Denver ice hockey
KALAMAZOO, MI – Western Michigan hockey hosted No. 2 ranked Denver University, the reigning national champions, in a two-game series Friday and Saturday.
The Broncos won Friday’s game 3-2, but game two went to overtime. Denver scored the only overtime goal, netting the Pioneers their own 3-2 win.
MLive photographer Josh Boland was there Saturday to capture all the action on the ice.
Western Michigan forward Alex Bump scored 8:23 into the second period.
Western Michigan forward Alex Bump (20) celebrates after scoring during a division 1 ice hockey game between Denver University and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Josh Boland | MLive.com
Denver University’s Zeev Buium tied the game 1-1 at 9:27 into the second period.
Denver players celebrate a goal scored by Denver defenseman Zeev Buium (28) during a division 1 ice hockey game between Denver University and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Josh Boland | MLive.com
Western Michigan’s Grant Slukynsky scored 9:23 into the third period to put the Broncos up 2-1.
Western Michigan forward Grant Slukynsky (13) celebrates a goal during a division 1 ice hockey game between Denver University and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Josh Boland | MLive.com
Denver University’s Lucas Olvestead scored 18:54 into the third period, tying the game at 2-2.
Denver players celebrate a goal by Denver defenseman Lucas Olvestad (11) uring a division 1 ice hockey game between Denver University and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Josh Boland | MLive.com
Fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice as part of a toy drive during a division 1 ice hockey game between Denver University and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Josh Boland | MLive.com
Between periods, fans experienced a stuffed animal toy drive toss as well as a celebration of WMU’s conference champion women’s soccer team.
Western Michigan University’s women’s soccer team is celebrated during the first intermission during a division 1 ice hockey game between Denver University and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. The team won the conference championshipJosh Boland | MLive.com
Denver University’s Carter King scored the lone overtime goal to help Denver secure the win.
Denver players celebrate a goal scored by Denver forward Carter King (15) in overtime during a division 1 ice hockey game between Denver University and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Josh Boland | MLive.com
Western Michigan will head to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Dec. 29 and 30 for the 2024 Great Lakes Invitational, facing Michigan Tech on Sunday and either Michigan State or Northern Michigan on Monday.