Bronco hockey versus Michigan televised
Jan. 21, 2004
KALAMAZOO--Friday's Central Collegiate Hockey Association game between fourth-ranked University of Michigan and Western Michigan University at Lawson Arena is sold out. A standing-room-only crowd of 4,575 is expected Jan. 23 for the 7:35 p.m. faceoff.
"This is the earliest in the week I can remember us selling out a hockey game," said WMU ticket manager Don Beyer.
While public seating is sold out, a total of 1,400 tickets have been reserved for WMU students on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students with a valid I.D. card are encouraged to arrive early at Lawson Friday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
For those unable to attend, the contest will be shown live on FOX Sports Net Detroit as part of its "CCHA Game of the Week" package. FOX Sports Net Detroit reaches 3.3 million cable and satellite households throughout Michigan and parts of Northwest Ohio and Northern Indiana.
A certain amount of hype surrounds Friday's game due to the success of both teams. Western Michigan has compiled a 7-1-1 league record since late November to climb from 12th to second in the CCHA standings, just one point out of first. The Broncos rank 10th nationally in scoring offense, averaging 3.48 goals per game. All-America candidate Dana Lattery (12 goals, 29 points) stands third in CCHA overall scoring and 11th in the NCAA.
Michigan is ranked fourth nationally and features 10 NHL draft picks on its roster, and goaltender Al Montoya led Team USA to a goal medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship.
"Obviously there is a tremendous amount of excitement surrounding the game," said coach Jim Culhane. "Our fans have provided a great environment at Lawson and we look forward to their support on Friday."
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 269 387-4138, daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu