Hey there Badger Fans!
 
Thank you all for coming out last weekend. Between the sea of Cardinal and White, the always fantastic Badger Band, and the TV debut, the energy was absolutely electric in LaBahn Arena. You guys rock! Those moments are what make being a Badger so worthwhile.
 
The Badgers were victorious in both matches this weekend, coming out on top over the Huskies 4-0 on Saturday and 3-2 on Sunday. 
 
Sophomore Maddie Rowe tallied a phenomenal three points on Saturday including two goals (that she totally buried), earning her WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors. So proud of you girl. Keep it up! 
 
Sunday's game was certainly a test of our tenacity, reminding our team to dig deep in order to find success. We know that adversities such as those are excellent preparations for the playoff push. 
 
Thankfully, senior defenseman Maddie Rolfes stepped up to the plate, intercepting a Husky breakout pass in order to make a beautiful play that led to an even more beautiful goal. 
 
This week the Badgers are headed to Buckeye territory for a two-game series against Ohio State. 
 
I asked Rowe to share her thoughts regarding the St. Cloud battles, and what she believes the team must do to prepare for No. 6 Ohio State.
 
"Last weekend was a fun one," Rowe said. "We played together as a team on Saturday and came out on top. Sunday, St. Cloud came out a little stronger than the night before but we took that challenge, faced some adversity and found a way to complete the sweep.
 
"All in all it was a learning experience that prepared us a little bit for this weekend. Things are going to happen quick on the ice down in Columbus, so we need to come out from the time the puck drops and play a full 60 minutes both days if we want to be successful. I'm excited to get down to Ohio state and have a fun weekend of hockey!" 
 
For my fellow senior captain Claudia Kepler, the trip to Ohio has a special significance. This marks the first time Kepler will return to her former school—this time stepping on that ice as a Badger instead.
 
"This week has made me realize how fast time really does go by. It's weird to think that almost five years ago I was preparing to become a freshman at Ohio State, and now I'm playing my last game on Ohio ice in a Badger jersey," Keps reflected. 
 
"It's crazy that with time a lot of things can change, but I have enjoyed every bit of my experience. I'm looking forward to cherishing these last few weekends with our team. It's a big series so it should be fun!" 
 
Seems there is a mutual theme of fun and excitement strengthening our team this week. 
 
As you look into the Badger weekend in Ohio, there is another important meaning you should note: Concussion Awareness Weekend. Established by the Headway Foundation, a group run by high school and collegiate hockey players who have struggled with and overcome concussion traumas, Concussion Awareness Weekend hopes to remind young players and coaches that concussions should never be taken lightly. They affect the lives of so many people—often afraid to speak out about their injury in fear of being considered weak. The Headway Foundation plans to change that stigma.
 
Maddie Rolfes, who has battled the effects of concussions in her career, had a few words to share about her experience. 
 
"Suffering from concussions and post-concussion syndrome has been one of the hardest battles I've ever had to go through. The most important thing I can emphasize is that it can happen to anyone, and the more open you can be with your athletic trainers and support staff, the more quickly you can start the road to recovery. Suffering from a concussion doesn't make you weak, in fact, the journey back to health from a concussion has made me stronger than ever." 
 
The Badgers have taken the #NewTough campaign pact to promote proper concussion protocol and we encourage you all to do so as well. Check out our social media pages for more information! 
 
That's all for now. We hope to see you in Ohio State or following along via @BadgerWHockey. We play on Friday at 5 p.m. CT and Saturday at 2 p.m. CT.
 
On Wisconsin! 

- Baylee