Western Michigan Stuns Boston College in High-Sower Holiday Face-Off

The No. 7 Western Michigan Broncos defeated the No. 12 Boston College Eagles 5-3 on Sunday night. The game was the first round of the 2025 Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off. It was held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The victory propels the Broncos into Monday’s tournament championship game. They will face the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers. Boston College will play Lake Superior State for third place.

Broncos Dominate Early, Withstand Late Eagles Surge

Western Michigan seized control from the opening face-off. William Whitelaw opened the scoring just over six minutes into the first period. He added his second goal early in the second frame for a 3-0 lead.

Boston College struggled to generate offense without key players. Forwards James Hagens and Teddy Stiga were absent. They are competing at the World Junior Championship. The Broncos’ aggressive forecheck stifled the Eagles’ top lines.

Aram Minnetian finally put BC on the board midway through the second period. The goal cut the deficit to 3-1. Western Michigan quickly answered. Liam Valente and Zaccharya Wisdom scored to extend the lead to 5-1 late in the game.

Late Rally Falls Short for Short-Handed Eagles

Boston College mounted a fierce comeback attempt in the final minutes. Ryan Conmy scored with just 15 seconds left in the game. Dean Letourneau added another goal 18 seconds later.

The sudden burst made it a 5-3 game. It ultimately proved too little, too late. Western Michigan managed the clock well in the final minute. They secured the two-goal victory.

The loss snaps Boston College’s momentum. They entered the tournament on a sweep of UMass Lowell. According to team reports, the absence of three key skaters created significant lineup challenges. The Eagles debuted freshman Oscar Hemming in the contest.

Western Michigan’s decisive win reshapes the Holiday Face-Off championship picture. The Broncos proved they can compete with top-ranked programs. This victory over Boston College provides major momentum heading into the second half of the season.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who won the Boston College vs. Western Michigan hockey game?

Western Michigan won the game 5-3. The Broncos advanced to the Holiday Face-Off championship game. Boston College will play in the third-place game.

Where was the Holiday Face-Off tournament held?

The 2025 Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off was held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is the home arena of the NBA‘s Milwaukee Bucks.

Why was Boston College missing key players?

BC played without forwards James Hagens and Teddy Stiga. They also missed defenseman Luka Radivojevic. All three are representing their countries at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

Who scored for Western Michigan?

William Whitelaw scored two goals for the Broncos. Liam Valente, Zaccharya Wisdom, and an empty-net goal completed the scoring. Whitelaw’s first goal was the game-winner.

What is next for both teams?

Western Michigan plays No. 2 Wisconsin for the tournament title on Monday night. Boston College faces Lake Superior State in the third-place game Monday afternoon.