Hello Badger fans!
 
The end of the regular season is among us Badger fans. After our two matches against Ohio State this weekend we will enter playoff season. There are many exciting events headed our way. This weekend is the senior weekend — a time when we celebrate the careers and accomplishments of their class.
 
This years' senior class is special.
 
They have taught every one of us how to be not only better hockey players, but also magnificent people. I can say that each one of them has made me a better person, and I am so thankful for that.
 
Defenseman Maddie Rolfes is someone who brings laughter into everyday life. She carries light with her everywhere she goes, and we are so lucky to be around her every day.
 
Badger alumni Baylee Wellhausen is one of Rolfe's best friends, she expanded on the person Maddie is.
 
"There will never be enough words to describe how much Mads means to me," Wellhausen said "Not only has she been my teammate for so many years, but she has been my best friends since we met in a bathroom when changing for our boy's hockey game against each other. I can not think of a moment in my life that been absent of her. She's someone who would do absolutely anything for the people she loves, who has survived unimaginable adversities and still is there for those who need her. She's the girl who can make an entire room laugh just by being the vivacious personality she is. She is a leader, a hard worker, and never gives up. I can't begin to explain how proud I am of her… being able to be her best friend throughout this journey is the biggest blessing. I love you Mads."
 
"Rolf is my go to. She is selfless and an amazing human being. I truly believe that she has made me a better player and person," said forward Maddie Posick about Rolfes.
 
Annie Pankowski is a dynamic forward who challenges every player she plays with an against to be better. Pankowski is a dog whisperer who makes everyone around her better with every encounter.
 
"My favorite memories with Annie are the nights of just hanging out, listening to music, cooking dinner & her being my chemistry tutor!  since coming to UW she has been one of my go-to people for anything & everything- I can't even imagine the past two years without her!" said goaltender Kristen Campbell.
 
Alumni and long term friend Lauren Williams gave us her favorable opinion of Pankowski.
 
"Annie is one of those people that you wonder, 'how does she do it' all the time," Williams said. "From her play on the ice to school to volunteering, it does seem like it shouldn't be possible. But it is for her. She is one of the kindest people I have ever met, and I am so thankful to call her my best friend and to have had the opportunity to be her teammate and roommate for three years. She'll leave behind a great legacy at Wisconsin, and I know her teammates will miss having her around, dog in tow."
 
Mikaela Gardner is a defenseman with fire. She shows up every day wanting to better herself, and it shows. Her youthful energy is something that doesn't go unnoticed to her teammates.
 
Two of Gardner's roommates, Brette Pettet and Maddie Rowe, talked about how they have come closer to her over this past year.
 
"Over this past year I've gotta to realize that as intimidating as she may first appear, Mikaela is one of the most genuine and caring people I know," Pettet said. "Whether it's her making sure I have everything I need when I'm sick, or it's coming home to delicious treats on our kitchen counter that she surprised our apartment with. I appreciate her love for her friends and family and have gotten to learn from that by being one of her four other roommates this year."
 
"I admire her tenacious personality, as well as humor and know that it will serve her well in her future."
 
"Over the past year, I've grown so much closer to Gards," Rowe said. "On the ice she always helps me whether I have a question about a play or whether I need that little "pick me up" on a certain day, she's always there for me. She's got a little attitude and sassiness in her (in a good way), but I admire that about her because that makes her that much more competitive and driven. She always wants to make sure you're doing okay. Off the ice, she's grown to be one of my best friends, who we share almost everything with, the good the bad the ugly. She's sort of like my mom, giving me all the advice I need about school, clothes, makeup, simply anything! College has brought us so close together, and I'm so proud of all she has accomplished here during her time as a Badger. I know when she leaves here she will be so successful wherever her career path may take her. I hope our friendship continues to stay strong as we part our ways after this year because she is truly a one-of-a-kind friend and teammate who I'm so thankful for." 
 
Emily Clark is a player who forces us all to be better every day. Her caring personality is always there to help anyone who may need it. She is still putting others before herself, and her positive attitude is admirable.
 
Saskatoon native Sophie Shirley grew up learning from Clark. Shirley touched what she admires about Clarkey.
 
"One of my earliest memories of Emily was when she played Peewee hockey with my brother," Shirley stated. "She was the only girl and probably the youngest player, but she stood out as a top player on the team even then. She was full of grit, determination and tons of skill. I have always loved watching her play. My sister and I have both looked up to Emily for many years now, and she has been a huge influence for both of us growing up in Saskatoon. She is not only a great player but a great person too. She has leadership qualities that I strive to instill every day. She is calm and confident and one of the best people I know. Congrats Em on a successful college hockey career and best wishes for the future!"
 
Goaltender Nikki Cece shared a short message with Clark.
 
"I couldn't be more proud of you," Cece said "Not only for your admirable accomplishments in hockey but also for the loving person you are towards everyone you meet. Although the future is unpredictable, I know you are going to continue to shine brightly in everything you do and changes the lives of everyone you meet. Your energy and commitment to our team are going to be missed in the locker room next year!"
 
Sam Cogan inspires all of us to be comfortable in our own skin. She makes us all laugh on a daily, and her knowledge of the game will take her far in the future.
 
Two of Cogan's close friends and roommates Bre Blesi and Kyleigh Hanzlik shared their outlook on Cogan.
 
"Sam is a person that can bring any group of people together and can brighten a room just by being there," Blesi said. "She is a straightforward, wise-minded, good-hearted person, and I'm so lucky to have been able to call her a friend."
 
"I think something about Sam that I've always found admirable is how she is always consistent with who she is day in and day out," commented Hanzlik. "Whether it be her as a person or her as a hockey player, you always kind of know what you're going to get. Honestly, there's a 99% chance she's going to make you grin or chuckle to yourself when you talk to her too. A good way to describe her would be that she seems to go with the flow, enjoy what she does, and she loves who she is. She's a great teammate, a great roommate, and a great friend. Thanks for everything Sam, from me and everyone else, you're pretty awesome."
 
Sophia Shaver is someone who leads by action. She is a hard-working forward who's skating ability grabs the eye of many. Sophia is a friend that everyone needs. She is always there if you need someone to talk too.
 
Minnesota native Mekenzie Steffen shared a message with her longtime friend and teammate.
 
"Soph, we started playing hockey together when we were only ten years old, and it's hard to believe it's all coming to an end," Steffen said. "Thank you for being someone I can always look to when I need strength and perspective. It's going to be hard not to have you here next year, but I am so excited to see what your future holds. Congrats on an amazing academic and athletic career. I love you, Soph."
 
Abby Roque is another close friend of Shaver the forward talked about how the two met.

"I have been so fortunate to be able to play with one of my best friends for the past three years," Roque said. When we first met, and you needed to borrow my mouth guard, I never could've imagined we would end up here so many years later. You are an exceptional person, friend, and leader. I've learned so much from you & am so proud of everything you've accomplished as a Badger. I can't wait to see what you do in the future because I know you'll be amazing at it."
 
As you can see, we love our seniors, and if we had a choice, we would keep them forever. We know that wherever their future takes them, they will be successful. Their beautiful personalities and friendship will be cherished forever by their teammates. This weekend we celebrate them and their careers as Badgers, we hope you all can join us.
 
We love you, seniors!
 
As Always, On Wisconsin!
 
-Delaney