Frank Slubowski's time at WMU nearly up, as season comes to an end

For graduating Senior Frank Slubowksi, there will be no more hockey in Bronco colours, the Prince Rupert goaltender  played his final game for WMU on Sunday.

With the Broncos finding themselves on the outside looking in, when it comes to the remainder of the NCAA hockey playoffs for this year.

The Broncos lost a must win game against Miami of Ohio on Saturday, knocking WMU out of the NCHC tournament, bringing their hopes for a shot at the famed Frozen Four championships to an end for 2015.

The Broncos made it to Sunday's showdown, thanks to a strong effort on Saturday, with Slubowski entering the game in relief and holding off the Miami attack to secure a the Bronco's 7-5 victory, setting up the Sunday Showdown.

For the Rupertite, his hard work of Saturday earned him the Sunday start, with his final appearance for the Broncos ending at the midway point of the second period.

With the Bronco's trailing by three goals, Head Coach Andy Murray switched out his goaltenders to try and add some spark to the Bronco lineup, as Lukas Hafner took over for the final twenty five minutes for the Broncos for the year.

Western Michigan however did not mount the hoped for counter attack, never quite finding the mark in the Miami end of the rink and with a 4-0 loss, the Broncos season came to its end.

The accounts of the final weekend for Bronco hockey for 2014-15 can be found below:

WMU hockey season falls at Miami, 4-0, in NCHC tournament to close out the season
WMU hockey uses big second period to beat Miami, 7-5, force deciding third game
WMU hockey unable to hold third-period lead, falls to Miami 5-3 in NCHC tournament opener
Broncos Season ends with 40 Loss at Miami
Broncos Force Game Three After 7-5 Win Over Miami

Frank Slubowski's stats sheet over the last four years points to his strong work ethic in the Bronco nets, arriving at WMU from his time with Port Alberni of the BCHL.

Frank Slubowski tending the nets
for the WMU Broncos

His NCAA hockey career was launched in 2011-12, as he led a talented Bronco squad onto the ice as part of the then CCHA conference.

2012-13 was his year of prominence for the Broncos, starting in all 38 games and nominated for consideration for the Hobey Baker Award, the most prestigious award in US College Hockey.

The last two years saw his workload reduced, as he and Lukas Hafner began sharing the duties in the Bronco nets, with Hafner receiving the majority of the starts in the 2014-15 season.

Through his time at WMU, Slubowski played in 101 games, seeing over 5700 minutes of action and 98 game starts.

As the 2014-15 comes to an end, he holds a 47 - 35 -15 record, with an overall GAA of 2.30.

Those that counted the shots directed his way through his four years at WMU, recorded a total of 2,203 saves made on Slubowski's watch, providing for an impressive career save percentage of .909.

Mr. Slubowski's studies at WMU have been in the field of Management, he joins Will Kessel, Matt Stewart and Justin Kovacs as the four Graduating Broncos of 2015.  

You can review the full profile of his career from the Broncos website.

For more items related to Prince Rupert Athletes playing sports at the University or college level see our archive page here.