College Hockey:
A video worth your eight minutes

By Todd D. Milewski • Executive Editor • March 24, 2011

Maybe you’ve seen this YouTube video already this week, but if you haven’t, it’s worth eight minutes of your time, even amid the NCAA tournament madness we’re about to enjoy.

Even if you don’t cheer for Western Michigan, even if you don’t have a stake in the Broncos’ stay in the NCAA tournament, it’s good to know that there are good people in our sport.

This is the story of the Broncos’ interaction with the Schripsema family, the youngest of which is battling leukemia.

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http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KBVOP7JEIJTGTBGPEMTI67KVLU J
i think its funny how you talk about yale scoring so much when they play agianst shitty teams all year round. id like to see yale play in wcha for one year and we will see how many goals they score…HOW ABOUT NONE im sick of these mediocre players winning awards where there strength of schedule is far behind other top teams with outstanding players yet those players dont even get looked at Minnesotas Jay Bariball should be a top player so far and i hate the gophers. jack connely or even matt frattin of north dakota…but ofcourse that makes me biased because im a sioux fan..all im saying is goals and assists shouldnt be the only factor of decision and i know its not but you uscho writers just suck soooo much yale is a good team but they need to play harder teams more consistently
- Cctempserv
  Yale 3 North Dakota 2… i guess there bad
Callanmp
All three of those Yale players have solid chances of playing in the NHL with the exception of O Neil due to size being the only drawback. How about more love for your” so difficult” to play rivals the high powered offense of the midgets at UMD?
Anonymous
I have to agree with J above…however he appears to rate the WCHA a little to highly. I believe this will be yet another Hocley East domination year and would not be surprised if they place 3 teams in the Frozen Four. Denver swept by BC, North Dakota dominated by Maine BU on a roll and UNH always a regular season powerhouse…
Kuhn&Friends
please submit this to ESPN outside the lines, I think this deserves an in depth report as do many in the k-zoo area
Union Alum ’97
I am a Union fan and have been waiting over 20 years for our first NCAA game, but after seeing this, I wouldn’t mind at all if Western Michigan won the darn whole thing for that family. Great work guys.
- UMD_what_UMD_what_UMD
  I had the same thought. I have been a UMD fan since I can remember and have been waiting for a championship. Now I want this team to win it all. Best of luck to your team as well. It should be a very evenly matched offensive show!
HE Parent
This is one of the most touching stories I’ve seen. As a parent of another D1 hockey program player, since his team is done for the year, I will be rooting for Western to win it all. This is why hockey is the greatest sport with the best people in it. Go Broncos! Get better kid!
SiouxInMinny
Touching. Very nice of the Broncos.
Whetto345
WOW Go Broncos!
UNO fan
Tiger Fan
This was truly inspiring and I think after watching it, it’s hard for anyone to not support this Western Michigan team. When players go out of their way to do things like this because it means something to them as well is amazing. Division I athletes have a lot on their plates as students, but for them to take their free time and spend it the way they did shows a lot of character and heart, both things I’d like to see help them take home the title this year.
RIT Tiger fan
Lenytobias
At almost 9 mos pregnant and having no defintie names, I instantly just fell in love with the name Gideon.
Lenytobias
At 9 mos pregnant and no definite names, I instantly just feel in love with the name Gideon.
TigerJim
If my team doesn’t make it, I’m rooting for Western Michigan!
Anonymous
That right there is what college hockey is all about… inspiring kids that they can do anything. Shows a LOT of heart from the Broncos team. NCAA should make an award for a team that is outstanding off the ice for their community service and heartfelt inspiration of youth.
Bucky
Class act all the way!
Tim
Thats why hockey players are the finest athletes…….always keeping it real! Ct now roots for the Broncos!
KzooHockeyMom
As a Western Alum, I am very proud of these boys and the way they have adopted the Schripsema Family. What a statement of this fantastic sport and the athletes involved. I am also a Hockey Mom of a 12 yo boy – it warms my heart to see him watching these young men go above and beyond the call of duty and want to be like them. Go Broncos!!!!
Oracle
I am a UND fan, however I will be rooting for Western in my heart.
EngineerHockey
THAT is what college sports is all about! From an RPI and college hockey fan I say well done Broncos. That was truly amazing!
M.E.
I just don’t think I can truly express my admiration for the Broncos hockey team for this heroic display of compassion. As a lifelong college hockey fan these young men displayed true heart. They have shown the real colors of what it is to be a collegiate athlete, and how to be true role models for the young kids that idolize them. My hats of to you Western Michigan….again and again.