MADISON, WIS. – The 75th season of Wisconsin men's hockey begins this weekend when the Augustana Vikings visit the Kohl Center for the first games in the Mike Hastings' chapter of Badger hockey.Â
Here's six quick things to know before tuning in:
Rosters: Badgers || Vikings
1 - A NEW CHAPTER: Three-time national coach of the year Mike Hastings begins his first season at UW as head coach, turning the page to a new chapter of Wisconsin men's hockey. Hastings spent the last 11 seasons as the head coach at Minnesota State, where he led his squad to eight NCAA tournament appearances, a pair of Frozen Fours and the NCAA title game.
He looks to become the first head coach to win his first game at UW since Jeff Sauer led the Badgers to a 4-3 victory over Bowling Green on Oct. 15, 1982.
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2 - 75-SEASONS YOUNG: The 2023-24 season marks the 75th season of Wisconsin men's hockey. UW's varsity history began in 1921 and ran until 1935. UW restarted its program in 1963, which has run through the present day.
The Badgers will spend the season honoring many of those who have made an impact on the program, including six games chosen for special recognition. These games include Skaters Night, Goalie Night, Wisconsin Night, NHL Night, Champions Night and Fan Appreciation Night. More information on these nights will be released at a later date.Â
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3 - FRESH FACES: Wisconsin welcomes 12 newcomers to the roster, with eight freshmen and four transfers joining the team. Three out of the four transfers follow Hastings from Minnesota State, including 2023 CCHA Forward of the Year
David Silye.
The incoming freshmen include Clark Cup-champion forward William Whitelaw (Youngstown, USHL), U.S. National Team Development Program defensemen Brady Cleveland and Zach Schulz, and New York Islanders draft pick Quinn Finley, among others.
4 - WELCOME BACK: The Badgers return three of their top five point-getters from last season in sophomore forward Cruz Lucius (11-23=34), senior forward Mathieu De St. Phalle (13-17=30) and senior forward Carson Bantle (9-7=16).
Sophomore defensemen Tyson Jugnauth (5-10=15) and Ben Dexheimer (0-11=11) are also back for another year on the blue line.
5 - PROGRAM FIRSTS: This weekend is one of many firsts, including the first ever matchup between Wisconsin and Augustana as the Vikings play their first two games in program history.
Augustana University, which is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, announced that they would be launching its NCAA Division I men's hockey team back in 2021. The Vikings will compete independent of conference affiliation this season, before joining the CCHAÂ for the 2025-26 campaign.
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6 - HOW TO WATCH: Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 7, and 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 8. Stream live on B1G+ and follow along on Twitter and Instagram at @BadgerMHockey.
