For the first time since 1986, Western Michigan has won the CCHA tournament. The Broncos clinched the 2012 tournament title with a 3-2 victory over Michigan in the championship game on Saturday night.
Just like Friday night, Michigan found itself in a hole. The Wolverines fell behind 3-0 to Western Michigan and needed a big comeback in the third period. Unlike last night, the Wolverines didn't complete the comeback. They were able to get two goals back in the third, and they nearly scored the game-tying goal on an extended power play, but Western Michigan managed to hang on to win the game, 3-2.
For the Broncos, not only did they win the CCHA tournament, but they also clinched a trip to the NCAA tournament. They will receive the CCHA's automatic bid to the tournament, while Michigan will make the field of 16 teams as an at-large seed.
Based on the current PairWise Rankings, Michigan is actually slated to be a No. 1 seed in the tournament. Western Michigan projects as one of the No. 4 seeds along with Michigan State.