A Season of Dual Distinction
Western Michigan University’s men’s ice hockey program celebrated a rare blend of scholarly and athletic achievement this week as six Broncos were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All‑District team.
The distinction underscores the program’s emphasis on balancing a demanding schedule with rigorous academics, requiring a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA and participation in at least 90 % of the team’s games.
Among the honorees, Samuel Sjolund earned Third Team All‑NCHC honors and paced the blue line with 29 points, while also securing the NCHC Distinguished Scholar‑Athlete award for the fourth straight season. Grant Slukynsky, a teammate and also a Third Team All‑NCHC selection, led the squad with 40 points and was recognized as a Hober Baker nominee and a finalist for the conference’s Sportsmanship Award.
Hampton Slukynsky added a standout season between the pipes, posting a program‑record 27 wins, a 2.30 goals‑against average and a .915 save percentage, en route to Second Team All‑NCHC honors and the league’s Three Stars Award. Both brothers were also named NCHC Distinguished Scholar‑Athletes during their collegiate careers.
All‑American Aspirations
The academic accolades have also placed Grant and Hampton Slukynsky on the All‑American ballot, a testament to their combined on‑ice impact and classroom excellence.
Garrett Szydlowski contributed a career‑high 11 points and captured the team’s KOHA Grinder award, earning Distinguished Scholar‑Athlete status in each of his three years at Kalamazoo. Liam Valente’s senior campaign produced 35 points, including a league‑leading 10 power‑play goals, and earned him two‑time NCHC All‑Academic recognition, including a Distinguished Scholar‑Athlete nod for the 2025‑26 season.
William Whitelaw rounded out the group with a personal best 34 points and five game‑winning goals, positioning him to receive an NCHC Distinguished Scholar‑Athlete honor later this summer.