SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (December 1, 2025) – Western New England men's basketball's Matt Houde and WNE men's ice hockey's Michael Bottrell have earned Golden Bear Athlete of the Week honors after leading both of their teams to victory last week before the holiday break. 

Matt Houde helped guide a comeback win for WNE men's basketball in their lone game last week against Worcester State University. Down at the half, Houde dropped 17 points in the game, including nine in the second half, leading a comeback charge for WNE to keep the team unbeaten on the season. Houde shot an efficient 5/7 from the floor, going 2/4 from deep, and hit five free throws for the Golden Bears. Additionally, the WNE senior came up with four rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the victory. 

Michael Bottrell posted a +2 rating on the ice in last week's first win of the season, coming in last week's first win of the season, a 4–3 victory over Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Bottrell took five shots in the game and added two assists, including one on the eventual game-winning goal for the blue and gold. Bottrell now has a goal and four assists this season over seven games played and has taken a total of 19 shots overall. 

The WNE men's basketball team returns to Conference of New England play this coming Tuesday, December 2, at 7:30 PM, hosting the University of Hartford from the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center. 

Western New England men's ice hockey also returns to conference action, beginning on Friday, December 5, for a meeting with the Hawks of Roger Williams University for the first time in program history at 5:00 PM on the road.