In its 50th season as a Division I men’s hockey program, Western Michigan is the NCAA champion for the first time.

The only top-four seed to advance to the Frozen Four, the Broncos defeated Boston University 6-2 Saturday night at St. Louis to win the school’s first national title in any sport since 1965, when the men’s cross-country team won it all.

Owen Michaels’ unassisted goal on a 2-on-1 breakaway at 7:16 of the third period gave Western Michigan a 4-2 lead after several minutes of sustained pressure by BU, pushing for the tying goal, went for naught thanks to the stellar play of Broncos goalie Hampton Slukynsky (24 saves). After that, the Terriers were not a threat.

Michaels, who added an empty-net goal, had four goals in the Frozen Four, including the winner in double overtime over Denver in the semifinals, and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Prior to Pat Ferschweiler becoming coach four seasons ago, Western Michigan had just six NCAA tournament appearances since joining Division I in hockey in 1975-76, failing to win a single game. Under Ferschweiler, the Broncos have made the NCAAs four straight years, advancing to the Frozen Four for the first time this season, and capping their run with the national championship.

Western Michigan controlled play for much of the first two periods, but led just 3-2 after BU scored a power-play goal by Shane Lachance midway through the second period. The Terriers scored seven power-play goals in their last eight games.

The Broncos’ scoring depth was on display throughout the tournament and in particular Saturday night. None of their top seven goal-scorers lit the lamp as they built a 3-1 lead. Wyatt Schingoethe scored his fifth goal of the season and Cole Crusberg-Roseen scored his third in the first period, then Ty Henricks made it 3-1 at 5:17 of the second with his eighth goal of the season.

Excluding the initial NCAA tournament in 1948, Western Michigan is the fourth team to win the national title in its Frozen Four debut, the first since Lake Superior State in 1988.

Below are the results for entire tournament, plus highlights from the Frozen Four games, features of the top storylines of the tournament and a look at each of the 16 teams.

Jump to a section:
Frozen Four highlights
Top storylines | Teams at a glance

Schedule

All times Eastern

Toledo (Ohio) Regional

Semifinals, March 27
Boston University 8, Ohio State 3
Cornell 4, Michigan State 3

Final, March 29
Boston University 3, Cornell 2 (OT)

Boston University wins Toledo Regional

Fargo (N.D.) Regional

Semifinals, March 27
Western Michigan 2, Minnesota State 1 (2 OT)
UMass 5, Minnesota 4 (OT)

Final, March 29
Western Michigan 2, UMass 1

Western Michigan wins Fargo Regional

Manchester (N.H.) Regional

Semifinals, March 28
Boston College 3, Bentley 1
Denver 5, Providence 1

Final, March 30
Denver 3, Boston College 1

Denver wins Manchester Regional

Allentown (Penn.) Regional

Semifinals, March 28
UConn 4, Quinnipiac 1
Penn State 5, Maine 1

Final, March 30
Penn State 3, UConn 2 (OT)

Penn State wins Allentown Regional

FROZEN FOUR
at Enterprise Center, St. Louis

National semifinals, April 10
Western Michigan 3, Denver 2 (2 OT)
Boston University 3, Penn State 1

National championship game, April 12
Western Michigan 6, Boston University 2

Highlights

WESTERN MICHIGAN-BU

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BU-PENN STATE

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WESTERN MICHIGAN-DENVER

Tournament storylines

‘Till the rafters ring’: Maine’s resurgence has its fans believing again

Once a perennial power, the Black Bears fought through tragedy and tough times to be a Frozen Four contender 25 years after their last national title. Read more

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‘Have fun out there’: A simple message keeps Trey Augustine on his game

The Spartans goaltender, who hopes to lead his team to its first national title since 2007, recalls his late grandfather’s words every time he steps on the ice. Read more

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Top seed Boston College plays with Gaudreaus, Voce close to hearts

Three former Eagles — Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Gaudreau and Tony Voce — died this past summer. This year’s team, which has been No. 1 in the country most of the season, looks to win a national championship in their memory. Read more

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Roundtable: Teams and players to watch, plus Frozen Four picks

Are BC and Michigan State on a collision course for a title game matchup? What lower seed will be the toughest out? And who will make it to St. Louis? Andrew Raycroft and Sean Ritchlin break it all down. Read more

Teams at a glance

(Statistics entering NCAA tournament)

Toledo Regional

No. 1 Michigan State

Record: 26-6-4

PairWise rating: No. 2

How the Spartans got here: Big Ten champion

Last 10 games: 6-3-1

History lesson: This is Michigan State’s 29th NCAA appearance. The Spartans have been to the Frozen Four 11 times and have won three national titles, the last in 2007. Michigan State lost to Michigan in the regional finals last season, which was its first time in the tournament since 2012.

No. 2 Boston University

Record: 21-13-2

PairWise rating: 7

How the Terriers got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 6-3-1 (lost Hockey East semifinal to UConn)

History lesson: This is BU’s 40th NCAA appearance, including three of the past four years. The Terriers have been to the Frozen Four 24 times and have won five national titles, the last in 2009. The Terriers lost in overtime to Denver in the national semifinals last season, the second straight year they lost in the national semis.

No. 3 Ohio State

Record: 24-13-2

PairWise rating: 10

How the Buckeyes got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-5 (lost Big Ten final to Michigan State)

History lesson: This is Ohio State’s 12th NCAA appearance and its second in three years. The Buckeyes have been to the Frozen Four twice, most recently in 2018, and have never won the national title.

No. 4 Cornell

Record: 18-10-6

PairWise rating: 17

How the Big Red got here: ECAC champion

Last 10 games: 8-2

History lesson: This is Cornell’s 27th NCAA appearance, including the past three years in a row. The Big Red have been to the Frozen Four eight times and have won the national championship twice, most recently in 1970. Cornell lost to Denver in the regional finals last season.

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Fargo Regional

No. 1 Western Michigan

Record: 30-7-1

PairWise rating: 4

How the Broncos got here: NCHC champion

Last 10 games: 8-2

History lesson: This is Western Michigan’s 10th NCAA appearance, including the past four years. The Broncos lost in overtime to Michigan State in the first round last season, falling to 1-10 all time in NCAA tournament play.

No. 2 Minnesota

Record: 25-10-4

PairWise rating: 5

How the Golden Gophers got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-4-1 (lost Big Ten quarterfinal series to Notre Dame)

History lesson: This is Minnesota’s 42nd NCAA appearance, including the past five years. The Gophers have been to the Frozen Four 23 times and have won five national titles, the last in 2003. Minnesota lost to Boston University in the regional finals last season.

No. 3 UMass

Record: 20-13-5

PairWise rating: 11

How the Minutemen got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-2-3 (lost Hockey East quarterfinal to BU in overtime)

History lesson: This is UMass’ seventh NCAA appearance, including five of the past six tournaments. The Minutemen have been to the Frozen Four twice and won one national title, in 2021. UMass lost to Denver in double overtime in the first round of last year’s tournament.

No. 4 Minnesota State

Record: 27-8-3

PairWise rating: 14

How the Mavericks got here: CCHA champion

Last 10 games: 9-0-1

History lesson: This is Minnesota State’s 12th NCAA appearance, including six of the last seven tournaments. The Mavericks have been to the Frozen Four twice and are still looking for their first national championship. Minnesota State didn’t make the tournament last year and lost to St. Cloud State in the first round in 2023.

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Manchester Regional

No. 1 Boston College

Record: 26-7-2

PairWise rating: 1

How the Eagles got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 6-3-1 (lost Hockey East quarterfinal to Northeastern)

History lesson: This is BC’s 39th NCAA appearance. The Eagles have been to the Frozen Four 26 times and have won five national titles, the last in 2012. BC lost to Denver 2-0 in last year’s championship game after not making the tournament the previous two years.

No. 2 Providence

Record: 21-10-5

PairWise rating: 8

How the Friars got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-4-1 (lost Hockey East quarterfinal to UConn)

History lesson: This is Providence’s 16th NCAA appearance, its first since 2019. The Friars have been to the Frozen Four five times and won the national title once, in 2015.

No. 3 Denver

Record: 29-11-1

PairWise rating: 9

How the Pioneers got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 7-3 (lost NCHC final to Western Michigan in double overtime)

History lesson: This is Denver’s 34th NCAA appearance, including 15 of the past 16 tournaments. The Pios have been to the Frozen Four 18 times and won 10 national titles, the most ever. Denver beat BC for the national championship last season, its second title in three years.

No. 4 Bentley

Record: 23-14-2

PairWise rating: 22

How the Falcons got here: Atlantic champion

Last 10 games: 8-2

History lesson: This is Bentley’s first NCAA appearance in the program’s 26th season in Division I and the second year with Andy Jones as coach. The Falcons have set a school record for victories and are enjoying their first winning season since 2020.

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Allentown Regional

No. 1 Maine

Record: 24-7-6

PairWise rating: 3

How the Black Bears got here: Hockey East champion

Last 10 games: 6-2-2

History lesson: This is Maine’s 21st NCAA appearance. The Black Bears have been to the Frozen Four 11 times and have won two national titles, the last in 1999. Maine lost to Cornell in the first round last season, its first tournament appearance since 2012.

No. 2 UConn

Record: 22-11-4

PairWise rating: 6

How the Huskies got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 8-1-1 (lost Hockey East final to Maine)

History lesson: This is UConn’s first NCAA appearance in the program’s 27 years in Division I. The Huskies set a school record for wins as a Div. 1 team in Mike Cavanaugh’s 11th season at the helm.

No. 3 Quinnipiac

Record: 24-11-2

PairWise ranking: 12

How the Bobcats got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 7-3 (lost ECAC semifinal to Cornell in overtime)

History lesson: This is Quinnipiac’s 11th NCAA appearance, including each of the last six tournaments. The Bobcats have been to the Frozen Four three times and won one national title, in 2023. Quinnipiac lost to Boston College in overtime in the regional finals last season.

No. 4 Penn State

Record: 20-13-4

PairWise rating: 13

How the Nittany Lions got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 7-2-1 (lost Big Ten semifinal to Ohio State in overtime)

History lesson: This is Penn State’s fifth NCAA appearance. In 2023, the Nittany Lions lost in the regional finals to Michigan in overtime. Penn State has never been to the Frozen Four.

The 11 NHL games on Saturday helped solidify the playoff picture, as three teams (the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and New York Islanders) have been officially eliminated from the race. Now it’s just the Columbus Blue Jackets chasing the Montreal Canadiens.

Out West, the St. Louis Blues kept hope alive for the Calgary Flames, losing in the shootout to the Seattle Kraken. But, with their victories, the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights clinched division titles.

With the end of the regular season approaching on Thursday, here’s what at stake in the nine games taking place on Sunday:

Philadelphia Flyers at Ottawa Senators
1 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Senators are locked in to the first wild-card position in the East (and a matchup against the top team in the Atlantic). The Flyers are currently fifth in the draft lottery order, two behind the Boston Bruins and one ahead of the Kraken.

New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils
1 p.m. (TNT)

The Isles’ playoff hopes were extinguished with their shootout loss on Saturday, and they are in the No. 10 spot in the draft lottery order, two behind the Ducks and Penguins, and one ahead of the Rangers and Red Wings. On the other side, the Devils are locked in to the No. 3 seed in the Metro, and will open the playoffs on the road against the Hurricanes.

Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins
3:30 p.m. (TNT)

One day, these proud franchises will be battling it out again for postseason positioning, but that day is not today. For this iteration of the matchup, Boston enters as the No. 4 seed in the draft lottery order, two ahead of Philly and three ahead of Seattle (the Bruins cannot catch the Predators for the No. 3 spot). The Pens are eighth, one behind the Sabres, tied with the Ducks, and two ahead of the Islanders.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes
5 p.m. (ESPN+)

If things break correctly in the coming weeks, we could see these two teams collide again in the Eastern Conference finals. Toronto holds a four-point lead over the Lightning and Panthers atop the Atlantic Division, and clinches the division today if they win and the Lightning lose in any fashion. The Canes will go no higher or lower than second in the Metro, and they’ll face off with the Devils to begin their postseason play.

Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning
6 p.m. (ESPN+)

As noted above, the Lightning remain in the chase for the Atlantic crown and will just about need every W left on the schedule to do it. On the other side, the Sabres are high up in the draft lottery order (they begin Sunday No. 7), but that hasn’t stopped them from playing some great hockey as of late, going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals
6 p.m. (ESPN+)

A rematch from Saturday’s matinee in Columbus, which the Blue Jackets won 7-0. Columbus is five points and two regulation wins back of Montreal for the final wild-card spot with a game in hand. The Capitals are locked in to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but their Presidents’ Trophy dreams are on thin ice; they are five points back of the Jets with three games left.

Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets
7 p.m. (ESPN+)

The Oilers recently clinched their spot in the postseason, and a first-round matchup against the very familiar Los Angeles Kings (having faced them in three straight postseasons). What’s left to determine is home-ice advantage, although the Kings are four points ahead with three games left for both clubs. As for the Jets, they are locked in as the No. 1 seed in the West, and just wait to see if they’ll be playing the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues or Calgary Flames in Round 1.

San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames
8 p.m. (ESPN+)

Speaking of the Flames, they begin Sunday four games back of the Blues and five games back of the Wild, with two games in hand on both clubs. The chances are slim, but the door remains open for a final-week surge into the postseason. By way of potential tiebreakers, the Sharks have clinched the No. 1 spot in the draft lottery order.

Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks
10 p.m. (ESPN)

Sunday’s nightcap pits the Avalanche — who are locked in to the No. 3 spot in the Central, and a first-round matchup against the Dallas Stars — against the Ducks, who appear to be about one year away from mounting a real run at the playoffs. Anaheim begins Sunday ninth in the draft lottery order, tied in points with Pittsburgh, one behind Buffalo and two ahead of the Islanders.

With the regular season ending April 17, we’ll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we’ll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.

Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.

Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today’s schedule
Yesterday’s scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick

Current playoff matchups

Eastern Conference

A1 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Tampa Bay Lightning vs. A3 Florida Panthers
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils

Western Conference

C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 St. Louis Blues
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Los Angeles Kings vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers

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Sunday’s games

Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).

Philadelphia Flyers at Ottawa Senators, 1 p.m.
New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils, 1 p.m. (TNT)
Boston Bruins at Pittsburgh Penguins, 3:30 p.m. (TNT)
Toronto Maple Leafs at Carolina Hurricanes, 5 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres at Tampa Bay Lightning, 6 p.m.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals, 6 p.m.
Edmonton Oilers at Winnipeg Jets, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames, 8 p.m.
Colorado Avalanche at Anaheim Ducks, 10 p.m. (ESPN)

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Saturday’s scoreboard

Philadelphia Flyers 4, New York Islanders 3 (SO)
Columbus Blue Jackets 7, Washington Capitals 0
Carolina Hurricanes 7, New York Rangers 3
Los Angeles Kings 5, Colorado Avalanche 4
Florida Panthers 3, Buffalo Sabres 2 (SO)
Toronto Maple Leafs 1, Montreal Canadiens 0 (OT)
Winnipeg Jets 5, Chicago Blackhawks 4 (SO)
Utah Hockey Club 5, Dallas Stars 3
Minnesota Wild 3, Vancouver Canucks 2 (OT)
Vegas Golden Knights 5, Nashville Predators 3
Seattle Kraken 4, St. Louis Blues 3 (SO)

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Expanded standings

Atlantic Division

Points: 102
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 105.873417721519
Next game: @ CAR (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 101.721518987342
Next game: vs. BUF (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 98
Regulation wins: 37
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 2
Points pace: 100.45
Next game: vs. NYR (Monday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 92
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 95.4936708860759
Next game: vs. PHI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 90.2
Next game: vs. CHI (Monday)
Playoff chances: 98.3%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 84.0759493670886
Next game: vs. DAL (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 79.9240506329114
Next game: @ TB (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 74.825
Next game: @ PIT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

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Metro Division

Points: 109
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 3
Points pace: 113.139240506329
Next game: vs. CBJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 99
Regulation wins: 42
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 102.759493670886
Next game: vs. TOR (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 89
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 3
Points pace: 92.379746835443
Next game: vs. NYI (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 83
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 86.1518987341772
Next game: @ WSH (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 1.7%
Tragic number: 3

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 83.025
Next game: @ FLA (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 83.0379746835443
Next game: @ NJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 79.95
Next game: vs. BOS (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 77.8481012658228
Next game: @ OTT (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

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Central Division

Points: 114
Regulation wins: 43
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 116.85
Next game: vs. EDM (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 106
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 2
Points pace: 108.65
Next game: @ DET (Monday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 100
Regulation wins: 39
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 1
Points pace: 101.234567901235
Next game: @ ANA (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 95
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 1
Points pace: 96.1728395061728
Next game: vs. ANA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 94.5%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 94
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 1
Points pace: 95.1604938271605
Next game: vs. UTA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 89%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 89.175
Next game: @ NSH (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 67.65
Next game: vs. UTA (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 20
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 58.425
Next game: @ MTL (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

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Pacific Division

Points: 107
Regulation wins: 45
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 2
Points pace: 109.675
Next game: @ CGY (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 101
Regulation wins: 41
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 3
Points pace: 104.835443037975
Next game: @ EDM (Monday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 97
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 3
Points pace: 100.683544303797
Next game: @ WPG (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 100%
Tragic number: N/A

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 93.4177215189873
Next game: vs. SJ (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 16.5%
Tragic number: 3

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 2
Points pace: 90.2
Next game: vs. SJ (Monday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 80.9620253164557
Next game: vs. COL (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 1
Points pace: 76.9382716049383
Next game: vs. LA (Tuesday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 3
Points pace: 52.9367088607595
Next game: @ CGY (Sunday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E

Note: A “z” means that the team has clinched the top record in the conference. A “y” means that the team has clinched the division title. An “x” means that the team has clinched a playoff berth. An “e” means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.

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Race for the No. 1 pick

The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. More details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL’s Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.

Points: 51
Regulation wins: 14

Points: 57
Regulation wins: 20

Points: 66
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25

Points: 75
Regulation wins: 21

Points: 76
Regulation wins: 28

Points: 77
Regulation wins: 28

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 23

Points: 78
Regulation wins: 24

Points: 80
Regulation wins: 27

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 33

Points: 81
Regulation wins: 29

Points: 83
Regulation wins: 27

Points: 87
Regulation wins: 29

Points: 88
Regulation wins: 28

Points: 90
Regulation wins: 29

LAS VEGAS — Nearly a dozen fans stood outside Saturday morning, waiting for Jonathan Marchessault and his teammates to appear so they could get autographs.

It was a normal sight outside the Golden Knights practice facility, but this was at T-Mobile Arena as the Nashville Predators had their morning skate in preparation for that night’s game against Vegas.

That game was Marchessault’s first in that arena in an opposing uniform. One of the most beloved players in Vegas’ short history — part of the inaugural team that called itself the Golden Misfits — received a rousing ovation when the 1 1/2-minute video tribute was played at the first media timeout. Marchessault then skated alone on the ice as fans chanted, “Marchy! Marchy!”

Thanks for all the memories, Marchy. Welcome back to The Fortress!! 📣 #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/h7UGdVH9B6

— x-Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 13, 2025

Marchessault, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL playoffs MVP in leading the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup championship two years ago, appeared to tear up during the tribute.

“I’m an emotional guy normally, so we’ll see how it goes,” Marchessault said before the game. “Obviously, it’s going to be an exciting time for me. It’s such a great building, great organization and definitely happy for their success still. I’m not even surprised a little bit. I think the structure and the organization is so great from top to bottom.”

Marchessault scored a goal early in the third period, but the Golden Knights won 5-3 to clinch the Pacific Division title.

“It was unbelievable. Great fans. They were always there for me and my family,” Marchessault said after the loss, summing up the night in front of a large media contingent at his locker room stall. “It was just unbelievable to see Vegas and it’ll be great memories for me forever.”

He played seven seasons with the Golden Knights and is the career leader in goals with 192 and points with 417. Marchessault, 34, had hoped to sign a new contract to stay in Vegas, but he and the club failed to reach an agreement and Nashville signed him to a five-year, $27.5 million deal.

But it has been a difficult season. Marchessault’s mother died in September at 70 from a heart attack, just a day before his number was retired by the junior hockey Quebec Ramparts.

“It was a challenging year,” Marchessault said. “A lot of things. Moving a family of four, I expected it to be hard, but not that hard.”

Two of his sons were born in Las Vegas and another began playing youth hockey here.

Marchessault was such a key part of the Golden Knights’ success, and it wasn’t only the production by a player who delivered in many clutch moments. He was the club’s emotional leader as well. Even at 5-foot-9 he commanded a big presence in the locker room.

“I miss him,” Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said. “I miss his competitiveness. I miss his personality in the locker room.”

This hasn’t been the kind of season Marchessault hoped for, especially considering the free-agency splash the Predators made in signing not only him but Steven Stamkos, who helped lead Tampa Bay to two Cups.

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, will clinch the Pacific Division if they beat the Predators in regulation.

“The position his team is in is in a much different position than our team right now, and I think that takes away a little bit of it,” Golden Knights forward Reilly Smith said before the game. “But he’s a competitor. He’ll want to put on a good show and so will we. I expect nothing but his best effort tonight. He scored a lot of goals in this building, so we got to make sure he doesn’t get one more.”

This may be Marchessault’s first time back in Vegas as an opponent, but not the first time facing the Golden Knights. The teams played twice in Nashville, splitting the games. Marchessault had an assist in the first meeting.

“It was just nice to see them,” Marchessault said. “You spend a lot of years with those guys and so much memories, so much battling through adversity together. Out of nowhere, you see them twice a year. It’s unfortunate, but it’s a tough business.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.