KALAMAZOO, MI — Western Michigan University’s men’s hockey team brought the NCAA national championship trophy home to Lawson Ice Arena on Sunday, April 13 — a day after winning the school’s first national title in the sport. A small, shiny gold key to the city of Kalamazoo will now join the trophy in a display case at the university. Mayor David Anderson presented WMU Men’s Hockey Coach Pat Ferschweiler with a key to the city during a city commission meeting on Monday, April 21. Capping a record-setting season for the school, the Broncos would net the most goals by any team in an NCAA final since 2014, as they ousted Boston University, 6-2, with college hockey’s top prize on the line. MORE: National champs! Western Michigan hockey’s dream season ends with first title “This historic run united the campus and city, inspired future generations and elevated Kalamazoo’s presence on the national sports stage,” said Commissioner Don Cooney, while reading a proclamation, celebrating the team’s title run. Celebrations broke out across the city of Kalamazoo and on Western’s campus, as the final horn sounded on Saturday, April 12, in St. Louis. “It’s pretty cool to get recognized by the community that’s supported us all year,” said Sophomore forward Owen Michaels. The key is “rare indeed,” Anderson said. The symbolic gift can’t actually unlock any doors, but serves as recognition of the team’s accomplishment. A prior commission awarded one to Special Olympics gold medalist Julian Ravi Cosmin Borst, of Kalamazoo, in 2018. Long-time commission members Bobby Hopewell and Cooney also received keys in 2019. “We’re thankful and happy that we can pay back the city of Kalamazoo for their support,” Ferschweiler said. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Kalamazoo” daily newsletter.