Western Michigan Bronco hockey

Right now it's nothing more than bragging rights. Yes, it's Rare Air, and as Broncos Coach Pat Ferschweiler would probably be the first to tell you, that's all it is, and until you've won the NCAA Frozen Four competition, it just a pat on the back for what you've accomplished so far.

It's more than just bragging rights that Western Michigan and Michigan will be scrapping over this weekend; for WMU, it's about showing voters that they are worthy of their current ranking, and with some more victories, a lot higher than No. 16. For Michigan, they're the big dog. But with that lofty ranking comes the knowledge, everyone is gunning for you.

It may seems seeing a hockey game at Lawson Ice Arena is both the furthest thing on most people's minds, but also nothing but a pipe dream, depending on which prediction you care to believe. But the Western Michigan Broncos have released the NCHC conference portion of a possible (2020-21) season.