MADISON, WIS. – The Wisconsin men's hockey team is heading to Houghton, Michigan, to face off against the 17th-ranked Michigan Tech Huskies on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21.
Here's six quick things to know before tuning in:
Rosters: Badgers || Huskies
1 - STARTING OFF STRONG: Wisconsin's three consecutive wins at the start of the season mark its best start in 19 years since winning four straight to kick off the 2004-05 season. The team's total record of three wins and one loss match its best start through four games since achieving the same record at the start of the 2018-19 season.
The Badgers will continue to be put to the test with a tough upcoming schedule, as they are in the midst of playing nine straight games against ranked opponents, including last weekend's game at then-No. 7 North Dakota. The team's next three series are versus No. 17 Michigan Tech in Houghton on Oct. 20-21, No. 1 Minnesota in Minneapolis on Oct. 26-27 and No. 7 Michigan at home on Nov. 3-4.
2 - LEGENDARY LUCIUS: Cruz Lucius had a strong performance versus Bemidji State on Friday night, netting two goals, including the game-winning tally in the final minute of overtime. These two goals in one game tie his career high, which Lucius last achieved versus Lindenwood on Nov. 11, 2022.
Lucius earned one of two Badger spots on the Ice Breaker All-Tournament Team for his efforts.
3 - PERSISTENT PENALTY KILL: Wisconsin's penalty kill has been on fire so far, including a perfect performance on Saturday versus North Dakota where it killed off five attempts. Through four games, UW has one of the top 10 penalty kill percentages in the nation, killing off 21 of 22 power plays, or 95.5 percent.
UW's 22 penalty kills are tied for the second most chances, just one behind Minnesota Duluth.
4 - WE MEET AGAIN: This series marks the first time that Wisconsin will play Michigan Tech in Houghton in 12 years. The last time the two schools met in Husky territory was on Oct. 15, 2011. The Badgers' last win in Houghton came Jan. 29, 2011.
UW sits 101-52-10 all time against the Huskies, with its 101 victories tied for the second-most wins against any school (Colorado College - 112; Minnesota - 101).
5 - SCOUTING MICHIGAN TECH: The Huskies have started off their season with one loss and two ties through three games. Both ties, one against Minnesota Duluth in the US Hockey Hall of Fame Game and the other in game two of their series versus Alaska last weekend, finished 2-2 in the shootout. They lost the first game they played against Alaska 4-1.
Four players lead the roster with two points, including senior forward Logan Pietila, who scored both of Michigan Tech's goals in the tie against Alaska.
6 - HOW TO WATCH: Puck drop for Friday's game is at 6 p.m. and is available to stream on flohockey.tv with radio play-by-play on 1310 WIBA. Saturday's game starts at 5 p.m. and is also available to stream on flohockey.tv, while the contest will air on 100.9 FM on the radio in Madison. Also listen on the Badger app or The Varsity Network. You can also follow along on X/Twitter and Instagram @BadgerMHockey.
