Western Michigan slated to participate in 2019 Ice Breaker in Toledo

By @MichaelCaples –

When the 2019-20 college hockey begins, Western Michigan will share part of the spotlight.

The Broncos are one of four teams taking part in the 2019 Ice Breaker Tournament, an annual showcase that kicks off the NCAA season.

Bowling Green and the Huntington Center (home of the Toledo Walleye) will host the event; Ohio State and RIT will be the other two teams taking part.

“As host of the 2019 Ice Breaker Tournament, next year’s men’s NCAA hockey season will in essence begin in Toledo,” said College Hockey Inc. Executive Director Mike Snee. “Bowling Green is one of college hockey’s most tradition rich programs and this will be a fitting way for the school to begin its 50th season of men’s ice hockey.”

Since 1997, the Hockey Commissioners Association and College Hockey Inc. sponsor and operate the Ice Breaker Tournament, which brings together four of the nation’s top teams from four different conferences.

“There is no better way to open a college hockey season than the Ice Breaker Tournament, which has a rich history of bringing together incredible competition and terrific fans,” WCHA President and Men’s League Commissioner Bill Robertson said. “We are thrilled to have Bowling Green State University and the WCHA host the 2019 edition, which we know will add another storied chapter to the Ice Breaker legacy. As we have seen many times at the ‘Madhouse on Mercer,’ this region has a passionate fan base like no other. Our sincere thanks to the staff at Bowling Green, The Huntington Center, College Hockey Inc. and Ohio State, RIT and Western Michigan for making this happen.”