Baylee's Blog: Welcome home Uncle Tony and Uncle Donny
March 31, 2016 | Women's Hockey
Wellhausen discusses the new men's hockey coaching staff in her latest post
Hello Badger Fans!
As you may have heard, the Wisconsin men's hockey program announced its new coaching staff yesterday afternoon at the Kohl Center. Tony Granato, Don Granato, and Mark Osiecki are the trifecta of leadership.Â
Many look at these three men and see legends. They see former players who represented the cardinal and white in the best way possible. They see pioneers who set the bar for Badger men's hockey, who played during an era of excitement and packed stadiums. They see champions.Â
To me, I see those things, but also see a much simpler perception of the three men. Two of them are my uncles, and the other is one of my uncles' best friends.Â
Hockey has always been a family sport in my eyes. The people you meet at rinks, the plethora of teammates you share a locker room with, the coaches that lead you, the Zamboni drivers, the equipment managers, the teachers that demonstrate the utmost flexibility in making sure you finish assignments before road trips, the parents that drive you countless hours to practices and games, and the siblings who show unconditional support (even if they are dragged to a 7 a.m. game on a Sunday morning), are all one big hockey family. It is a sport that brings people together with an indescribable bond. I am sure that if you love hockey as much as I do, you understand that.Â
So it is no surprise to me that my uncles have come full circle, returning to their alma mater to become a part of my Badger family once again. I am overwhelmed with excitement. Having them around the rink will be a blessing. I look forward to the "Bayles!" shouts that I will be hearing in the rink hallways and on campus coming from Uncle Tony and Uncle Donny, eager to hear how my day is going. I can't wait for the hockey talks, the simultaneous game days, and so much more.Â
Coming to Wisconsin, I knew there was a legacy in my family I would be placing myself into. Filling the footsteps (or should I say "skates") of my uncles was icing on the cake in my decision to commit to this incredible school. Now we are all here, chasing our dreams in slightly different ways, yet striving for success as Badgers all the same.Â
I could not have imagined three better people to be a part of a new chapter in Badger hockey. There will be a surplus of energy, wisdom, and poise on the bench. Tony always used to ask me when I would tell him about my games if I had fun. Fun is what will be brought back to Wisconsin men's hockey. Playing the sport you love each day should be fun.Â
I want to thank Barry Alvarez and all those who had a say in selecting the new coaching staff. You have enabled me to create a even more a familial atmosphere here at Wisconsin and I could not be happier!Â
Even though Uncle Tony and Uncle Donny have joked about being able to really keep an eye on me now, as any protective Italian uncles would say, I would not have it any other way.Â
On Wisconsin!Â
   -BayleeÂ
Â
Â
As you may have heard, the Wisconsin men's hockey program announced its new coaching staff yesterday afternoon at the Kohl Center. Tony Granato, Don Granato, and Mark Osiecki are the trifecta of leadership.Â
Many look at these three men and see legends. They see former players who represented the cardinal and white in the best way possible. They see pioneers who set the bar for Badger men's hockey, who played during an era of excitement and packed stadiums. They see champions.Â
To me, I see those things, but also see a much simpler perception of the three men. Two of them are my uncles, and the other is one of my uncles' best friends.Â
Hockey has always been a family sport in my eyes. The people you meet at rinks, the plethora of teammates you share a locker room with, the coaches that lead you, the Zamboni drivers, the equipment managers, the teachers that demonstrate the utmost flexibility in making sure you finish assignments before road trips, the parents that drive you countless hours to practices and games, and the siblings who show unconditional support (even if they are dragged to a 7 a.m. game on a Sunday morning), are all one big hockey family. It is a sport that brings people together with an indescribable bond. I am sure that if you love hockey as much as I do, you understand that.Â
So it is no surprise to me that my uncles have come full circle, returning to their alma mater to become a part of my Badger family once again. I am overwhelmed with excitement. Having them around the rink will be a blessing. I look forward to the "Bayles!" shouts that I will be hearing in the rink hallways and on campus coming from Uncle Tony and Uncle Donny, eager to hear how my day is going. I can't wait for the hockey talks, the simultaneous game days, and so much more.Â
Coming to Wisconsin, I knew there was a legacy in my family I would be placing myself into. Filling the footsteps (or should I say "skates") of my uncles was icing on the cake in my decision to commit to this incredible school. Now we are all here, chasing our dreams in slightly different ways, yet striving for success as Badgers all the same.Â
I could not have imagined three better people to be a part of a new chapter in Badger hockey. There will be a surplus of energy, wisdom, and poise on the bench. Tony always used to ask me when I would tell him about my games if I had fun. Fun is what will be brought back to Wisconsin men's hockey. Playing the sport you love each day should be fun.Â
I want to thank Barry Alvarez and all those who had a say in selecting the new coaching staff. You have enabled me to create a even more a familial atmosphere here at Wisconsin and I could not be happier!Â
Even though Uncle Tony and Uncle Donny have joked about being able to really keep an eye on me now, as any protective Italian uncles would say, I would not have it any other way.Â
On Wisconsin!Â
   -BayleeÂ
Â
Â
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