Sept. 14, 2015

MADISON, Wis. -- With the 2015-16 Wisconsin men's hockey season right around the corner, UWBadgers.com goes beyond what fans will see on the ice this season to introduce the 10 members of the Badgers' freshman class by exploring their personalities, likes and dislikes.

First up in this year's series is forward Tanner Barnes.

Barnes becomes the second member of his family to skate for the Badgers, following in the footsteps of his brother Tyler, who played for Wisconsin from 2010-2014. Tanner's sister Lauren played college hockey at Minnesota State. Barnes comes to Wisconsin from the NAHL, where he has played each of the last three seasons. In his most recent season in the NAHL in 2014-15, Barnes played for the Johnstown Tomahawks, recording 31 points in 60 games with 11 goals and 20 assists. He also earned the distinction of participating in the 2015 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the North Division Team.

Barnes will wear No. 22 for a jersey number. The last Badger to wear No. 22 was current Badger Eddie Wittchow, who now wears No. 20. Another current Badger Jedd Soleway has also worn No. 22, a number also worn by a 100-point scorer in Chris Tancill (1986-1990).

FAVORITES:
Athlete: Jordan Spieth
NHL Player: Steven Stamkos
Sports team: Minnesota Wild
School subject: Math
Food: Steak
Movie: American Sniper
Superhero: The Flash
Video game: NHL
App: Snapchat
Breakfast cereal: Apple Jacks
Hockey memory: First junior hockey game
Vacation spot: Dominican Republic
Thing about your country: Everything
Summer Olympic event: Beach volleyball

Questions:
TV show you never miss: Entourage
How many songs on your iPod? 707
First pro sports event you attended: Minnesota Wild game
Age you started playing hockey at: 4
First job: Stonebrooke Golf Course
Biggest fear: Heights
Before each game I: Play soccer
Most famous person you've met (where and when): Grandpa, always telling me how much of a "legend" he is
Magazine subscription: Sports Illustrated
Dream car: Range Rover
Hobbies/Interests: Golf
If I could play another UW sport, it would be: Golf/football
Hidden talent: Good ping pong player
If you could have dinner with any two living people, who and why? Kevin Hart because he's hilarious and Wayne Gretzky because he's the best hockey player ever
Greatest invention of the last 100 years: iPhone
Coolest Halloween costume: Mario/Luigi
For me, playing college hockey is: A big goal of mine
Greatest inspiration: I like to push myself
In 10 years, what do you hope to be doing: Successful job and start a family
Why did you come to Wisconsin?: Great academic and athletic college
Worst movie you've ever seen: Dumb and Dumber 2
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Super speed
President of any company, which one?: TaylorMade Golf/CCM Hockey
Worst household chore: Dishes
Go to meal when you're making one yourself: Grilled chicken
Where do you like sitting on the bus for roadtrips?: In the back
Best place to be stuck waiting: Airport
If you could give your life savings to a charity, which would you choose?: Feed My Starving Children
One wish, what would it be?: More wishes