Coach’s Comments • Staff Changes • Introducing the Freshmen • Bronco Notes

2020-21 NCHC Bronco Hockey Schedule • 2020-21 Bronco Hockey Roster

Active Player Stats • Active Hockey Administrators

The boys are on campus, the ice is in at Lawson, and decisions are still being made for the 2020-21 Season. As you are aware COVID- 19 is still with us. As is the case in your personal lives, life in the world of NCAA D-I hockey changes almost daily. As of this writing, I will bring you up to date on Bronco Hockey and share the best in- formation we have going forward; yet, recognizing that for many teams, conferences, and the NCAA there are still more questions than answers.

Andy As you know, we lost a lot of talent and leadership with the depar- ture of last year’s eight seniors and two underclassmen. Their contri- butions will be missed; however, as a coaching staff, we are excited about the potential the incoming freshmen bring to our program. You will find an intro- duction to these 11 freshmen in the newsletter. Bringing in eleven freshmen makes us, once again, a young team. However, during the COVID-19 summer, our captains and the returning players have done a good job of integrating J.J. Crew the new players into the Bronco culture and building the concept of “team”. We are excited, optimistic, and more than ready to begin shaping our 2020-21 roster (listed in the newsletter) into a Bronco team that you will be proud of. By position and experience, our lineup looks like this: goalies, 1 senior, 1 soph- omore, and 1 freshman; defense, 1 senior, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores, and 3 fresh- men; and at forward, 5 seniors, 4 juniors, 1 sophomore, and 7 freshmen. Tim Herrmann The players arrived back on campus August 28 after a summer of voluntary training that took place in relative isolation. Back on campus, time was spent getting themselves oriented, ready for classes, receiving their team gear, and beginning our on-campus training routine. On September 9th, as the result of our ongoing COVID testing program for all student-athletes, we received a setback. Training activities for student-athletes was put on a two-week hold. About this same time, September 10th, the NCHC Conference announced its anticipated date for beginning competition as, on or after November 20, 2020. For the NCHC, the guiding principle in making the decision on when to Justin Penna return to play was the health and safety of all members of the eight campus communities involved - in particular the student-athletes. As you can see, with the phrasing, ‘on or after’, the plans for the 2020-21 season may still be sub- ject to change.

With respect to our pre-season training, the “existing” official date for full team practices is October 3. Until that date, the NCAA restricts players to no Zeljka Vidic more than 8 hours per week of training with coaches, and no more than 3 of those hours can involve on-ice activity. As COVID testing permits, we will have the players involved in strength and conditioning training with Coach Herrmann and in on-ice skills training with our hockey coaching staff.

Throughout the summer, Strength and Conditioning Coach Tim Herrmann did an outstanding job of providing the players with detailed weekly conditioning and dietary information to build strength, explosiveness, speed, and endur- Lynn Ross ance. After the players returned to campus and until activities were put on hold, Coach Herrmann, in compliance with Michigan and NCAA restrictions, organized the players in teams to work on dry-land strength and conditioning to build on the results of the individual voluntary summer training.

For the three hours per week of on-ice skills training, our plan is to divide the Ken Dickie team into three groups of nine players each. To maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the available time, each group will be scheduled to work on skill development with the coaches for four 45-minute sessions each week. (continued next page)

Andy Murray Pat Ferschweiler J.J. Crew Lynn Ross Ken Dickie Head Coach Associate Head Coach Assistant Coach Business Manager Newsletter [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Ph.: 269-387-3053 Ph.: 816-838-3980 Ph.: 714-271-2759 O.: 269-387-3049 Ph.: 269-330-2070 As we speak, these plans are dependent on the results of our continuing COVID-19 test- ing program and meeting the State of Michigan and the University’s protocols with re- spect to the safe and appropriate use of our facilities. Unfortunately, currently there are still more questions than answers. However, as we receive answers we will do our very best to keep you informed either through www.wmubroncos.com or newsletter releas- es. You are always in our thoughts.

With the uncertainties still facing NCAA D-I hockey in the 2020-21 season we hope you will be patient as your desire for Bronco Hockey builds. I hope I have been able to pro- vide information that will contribute to building excitement, and information that may have answered some of the questions you have about the season. As I mentioned there are still more questions than answers – so stay tuned. As we know more you will know more! If you have questions while all this is sorting out, please do not hesitate to con- tact us.

As an alum and/or fan, your support has always been a key to our success. Stay safe and be well in these uncertain times. Remember, it’s always a great day to be a Bronco . . . GO BRONCOS!!

Respectfully,

Andy Murray, Head Coach WMU Bronco Hockey

After three years as a member of the Operations Team, two years as Assistant Director of Hockey Operations, Brody is now the Director of Hockey Operations for the Broncos. As Director, Brody’s job is to en- sure that the logistics associated with game weekends and practices, at home or on the road, come off without a hitch and to make sure the coaching staff has the support needed to make critical decisions.

To accomplish this, Brody will work with Lynn Ross to get the team to and from road games and arrange for team meals at home and on the road. In addition to game related activity, Brody’s activities during the week will include: providing the coaching staff with data needed to make strategic plans, e.g., pre-scouting the opposition, video-clipping player performance, and compiling “on-the-fly stats”.; introducing recruits to ’life as a Bronco’; and being a liaison for Bronco Hockey with the Greater Kalamazoo community.

For those who do not know Brody, he is a senior pursuing a degree in Business Manage- ment. His is to fill a front office position for a professional hockey team. Brody, in his three years with the Broncos, has always been known as an all-in type of guy. Congratulations on being recognized for your ability and work ethic, and for being rewarded with this promotion!

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Moorestown, NJ

Goalie Statistics DOB 01/20/01 Regular Season Age 19 2019-20 GP MIN PIM GA GAA SV S% W L T SO Height 6’-5” Minn. Magicians, NAHL 3 142 0 12 5.08 46 .793 0 2 1 0 Weight 220 Navan Grads, CCHL 28 1663 4 92 3.32 968 .913 14 12 1 0

A big with great athletic ability. Stopped a lot of shots last year in junior hockey with Navan for a 0.913 save percentage. Bronco goalie Coach Tom Askey really likes his upside.

Rochester Hills, MI

Forward Statistics DOB 01/17/99 Regular Season Playoffs Age 21 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 5’-10” Conn. Jr. Rangers, NCDC 11 2 0 2 2 Weight 165 So. Shore Kings, NCDC 20 4 7 11 2 Shoots R 2019-20 Janesville Jets, NAHL 2 0 0 0 0 Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL 28 3 3 6 2 4 0 0 0 0

A former member of the Oakland Grizzlies program for 5 years, Trevor has an upside that injuries in Jun- ior Hockey have restricted. A tremendous young man we feel his best hockey is in front of him and that he will surprise people at the college level. Trevor’s speed reminds me of Lawton Courtnall.

Boca Raton, FL, Zug, Switzerland

Defense Statistics DOB 04/20/01 Regular Season Playoffs Age 19 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 6’-3” Fargo Force, USHL 44 2 5 7 22 -1 2 0 1 1 0 Weight 203 Switzerland, U18, WJC 7 0 0 0 4 -5 Shoots L Switzerland, U18(all), Int. 18 1 0 1 16 2019-20 Fargo Force, USHL 48 2 7 9 40 -5

Cedric comes from a great development program in Zug, Switzerland. A club where I coached early in my career. Cedric played in Fargo the last two years and was recognized for his leadership by being selected as an Assistant Captain this last year as a young player. He is a big man who skates well and can move the puck. He likes to play physical and will remind people of Luke Bafia.

Indianapolis, IN

Defense Statistics DOB 02/29/00 Regular Season Playoffs Age 20 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 6’-4” Dubuque Fight. Saints, USHL 44 2 12 14 22 +4 6 0 0 0 2 Weight 216 2019-20 Shoots R Dubuque Fight. Saints, USHL 45 1 14 15 18 +11

Aiden played three years in the USHL for Dubuque. A strong skater with a great defensive stick. He is in the mold of Mattias Samuelsson. Aiden won the USHL’s prestigious Curt Hammer Humanitarian of the Year Award for his excellence on the ice and for his leadership in the league, for his team, and in the community.

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London, ON

Forward Statistics DOB 10/01/00 Regular Season Playoffs Age 19 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 6’-3” Buffalo Jr. Sabers, OJHL 47 19 23 42 45 12 8 4 12 8 Weight 200 2019-20 Shoots L Lincoln Stars, USHL 47 8 6 14 58 -16

Along with Cedric Fiedler and Alex Aslanidis, Ty will be a young player. Having already played two years of junior hockey we feel he is ready for college hockey. His size, aptitude, and his strong skating stride allows him to play a heavy game that fits the mold of a power forward. He is a net front force and has the potential to create havoc for opposing goalies. He is hungry.

Montreal, PQ

Forward Statistics DOB 06/03/99 Regular Season Playoffs Age 21 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 5’-10” Hawkesbury Hawks, CCHL 61 13 29 42 62 5 4 0 4 0 Weight 180 2019-20 Shoots R Hawkesbury Hawks, CCHL 56 34 48 82 48

Luke plays the game with a lot of speed and energy. The leading scorer in the CCHL with 82 points, in- cluding 34 goals. Luke has a lot of Hugh McGing in his game. Known for his character and determination, Luke was an Assistant Captain in Hawkesbury this past season.

Park Ridge, IL

Forward Statistics DOB 01/22/99 Regular Season Playoffs Age 21 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 6’-4” Cent. IL Flying Aces, USHL 55 11 12 23 48 +11 Weight 194 2019-20 Shoots L Green Bay Gamblers, USHL42 13 10 23 32 +11

Chad reminds us of Austin Rueschhoff. Like Austin, he is tall and lanky and still growing into his body. He skates well and will become more explosive in our program. He has good offensive instincts and was a net-front presence on the power play. Another player with a chance to be a pro by getting after it in college.

Lloydminster, SK

Defense Statistics DOB 03/29/00 Regular Season Playoffs Age 20 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 6’-0” Muskeg. Lumberjacks, USHL 27 0 1 1 16 +1 Weight 204 Omaha Lancers, USHL 25 2 7 9 35 +3 Shoots L 2019-20 Omaha Lancers, USHL 49 4 16 20 73 +14

Daniel is a competitor who was an Assistant Captain in Omaha. He skates well and is an uncomfortable player to play against. Like Cam Lee, he likes to jump up with the play offensively, and with a good shot he brings us a power play threat once he is comfortable at the college level.

: Grand Rapids, MI

Forward Statistics DOB 07/23/00 Regular Season Playoffs Age 20 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 6’-0” Muskegon Lumberjacks, Weight 200 USHL 46 3 8 11 35 +4 6 0 0 0 0 Shoots R 2019-20 Muskegon Lumberjacks, USHL 46 3 3 6 33 -9

Cam is a player who made a late change in his college commitment and we are excited to have him join our program. He comes from a hockey family with his dad Mike having played 1068 NHL games. Cam is a quality young man and his versatility as a player is something we need. He was one of the “Jacks” cap- tains last season. We believe he will thrive in our culture and that his best hockey days are in front of him.

Livonia, MI

Forward Statistics DOB 03/27/99 Regular Season Playoffs Age 19 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 6’-2” Austin Bruins, NAHL 54 20 18 38 95 +13 3 0 1 1 2 Weight 205 2019-20 Shoots R Austin Bruins, NAHL 48 21 25 46 66 +16

Another freshman who was an Assistant Captain for his team. His grit and net-front power led to a lot of goals for his team. Hugh was always around the puck. He is a player that fits our mandate for speed. He hits like Wade Allison and we expect him to be a strong forechecker.

Edmonton, AB

Forward Statistics DOB 05/21/99 Regular Season Playoffs Age 21 2018-19: GP G A TP PIM +/- GP G A TP PIM Height 5’-10” Ft. Mc Murray Weight 200 Oil Barons, AJHL 57 12 23 35 59 10 4 2 6 8 Shoots L 2019-20 Sherwood Park Crusaders, AJHL 55 29 36 65 112

As an Assistant Captain on one of the top junior teams in Canada - Sherwood Park, Jarred made things happen. He drives the net hard and creates offense, 65 points. He provides a physical presence when needed. In every game we watched he did something that grabbed our attention. His net drive is similar to Dawson DiPietro.

As you prepare to watch Bronco Hockey in 2020-21, there are some NCAA rule changes that you will want to know about. OVERTIME: In regular-season nonconference games that go into overtime, teams are required to play a five- minute, 3-on-3 sudden-victory period. If neither team scores, the result of the game would be a tie. In conference play or in-season tournament play, if neither team scores, a three-person shootout could be used for advancement purposes.

In addition, the “spin-o-rama” move, where the player with the puck completes a 360-degree turn while approaching the goal, will not be allowed in shootouts.

FACEOFFS: Following icing and calls, the non-offending team will be allowed to choose the faceoff spot for the puck drop. (Cont. next page)

FACEOFFS: To speed up the pace of play, officials will be allowed to issue a warning on a faceoff violation, ra- ther than ejecting the center. If a second violation by the same team occurs on the same faceoff, a two minute bench penalty for delay of game will be assessed.

POST GAME: The rule requiring team members to shake hands after a game has been removed. Instead, confer- ences or schools will decide on the post-game sportsmanship protocols.

# Name Yr Pos Ht Wt Home On September 10, 2020 the NCHC 1 Austin Cain Sr G 6-4 189 Ottawa, ON announced that their intent is to 2 Kale Bennett * Sr D 6-0 200 St. Louis, MO have competition begin on or after 3 Michael Joyaux Jr D 5-10 181 Bloomingdale, IL November 20, 2020. 4 Cam Knuble Fr F 6-0 200 Grand Rapids, MI The season schedule will be present- 6 Scooter Brickey So D 6-3 202 Lakeport, MI ed at a later date. STAY TUNED! 7 Ronnie Attard So D 6-3 208 White Lake, MI 9 Luke Grainger Fr F 5-10 180 Beaconfields, PQ 10 Chad Hillebrand Fr F 6-4 194 Skokie, IL 11 Rhett Kingston Jr F 6-1 195 Okotoks, AB 12 Cole Gallant Jr F 5-10 190 Dover, FL 13 Drew Worrad Jr F 6-2 186 Denfield, ON 14 Jason Polin So F 5-10 182 Holt, MI 15 Daniel Hilsendager Fr D 6-0 204 Lloydminster, SK 17 Cedric Fiedler Fr D 6-3 203 Zug, Switzerland 18 Brett Van Os Sr F 6-2 210 St. Albert, AB 19 Lukas Samuelsson Sr F 6-0 177 Voorhees, NJ 20 Jamie Rome Jr F 6-2 211 Canton, MI 21 Josh Passolt * Sr F 6-0 195 Hayward, WI 22 Trevor Bishop Fr F 5-10 165 Rochester Hills, MI 23 Paul Washe ** Sr F 6-1 201 Clarkston, MI 24 Aiden Fulp Fr D 6-4 216 Indianapolis, IN 25 Jared Kucharek Jr D 6-4 203 Parma, MI 26 Ethen Frank * Sr F 5-10 175 Papillion, NE 27 Ty Glover Fr F 6-3 200 London, ON 28 Hugh Larkin Fr F 6-2 205 Livonia, MI 29 Jarred White Fr F 5-10 200 Edmonton, AB 30 Brandon Bussi So G 6-4 214 Sound Beach, NY 35 Alexandros Aslanidis Fr G 6-5 220 Moorestown, NJ ** Captain *Assistant Captain

Jordan Oesterle, D, 2011- 14, 2019-20 GP G A TP PIM +/- SOG 9 1 3 4 0 +1 11

Kevin Connauton, D, 2009,

2019-20 GP G A TP PIM +/- SOG 4 0 1 1 6 -2 6

Sheldon Dries, F, 2013-17 Colorado Avalanche

2019-20 GP G A TP PIM +/- SOG 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

Spiros Anastas: Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations, Brampton Beast, ECHL Ben Barr, Assoc. Head Coach, UMass Minutemen, ECAC : Head Coach, Red Wings Joe Bonnett: USA Hockey, ADM Regional Manager Brent Brekke: Head Coach, St Lawrence., ECAC Chris Brooks: Asst. Coach, Michigan Tech Univ. WCHA Danny Brooks: Scout, Washington Capitals, NHL Jeff Campbell: Head Coach, SC Langenthal in the SWISS NLB League J.J. Crew: Assistant Coach, Western Michigan University, NCHC Travis Culhane: Director of Hockey Operations, Colorado College, NCHC Mike Eastwood: Player Development, , NHL Trevor Elias: Asst. Coach, Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB Rob Facca: Amateur Scout, , NHL Pat Ferschweiler: Associate Head Coach, Western Michigan University, NCHC Ross Fitzpatrick: Professional Scout, , NHL Glenn Healy: Executive Director/President, NHL Alumni Association Chris MacDonald: Director of European Amateur Scouting, Arizona Coyotes, NHL Brian Renfrew: Amateur Scout, , NHL Scott Robson: Amateur Scout, Winnipeg Jets, NHL Jim Scanlon: Head Coach, Women’s Hockey, Bemidji State University, WCHA Mike Shafer: Head Coach, Cornell, ECAC Derek Schooley: Head Coach, Robert Morris, AHA Frank Serratore: Head Coach, Air Force Academy, AHA Ben Warda: Head Coach of the U16AAA and the U13AAA Nashville Junior Predator Teams in the NAPHL Bill Watson: Operations Asst., Univ. of Minn. Duluth, NCHC Chris Wells: Head Coach, Women’s Hockey, St. Lawrence University, ECAC

HAVE WE MISSED ANYONE? HAVE THERE BEEN CHANGES? [email protected]