Morrissey a finalist for Big Ten Freshman of the Year
March 12, 2025 | Men's Hockey
Forward one of three conference rookies with at least 30 points
MADISON, Wis. – Center Gavin Morrissey delivered one of the most outstanding freshman seasons in the last 25 years for Wisconsin men's hockey and was recognized as one of three finalists for the 2025 Big Ten Freshman of the Year award, the conference announced Wednesday.
Morrissey, who at one time led the nation's freshman in scoring, finished his first UW campaign with nine goals, 23 assists and 32 points in 37 games played. Strong in the faceoff circle as well, the Rochester Hills, Michigan, native won 437 of 759 draws for a 57.6 percent success rate to rank sixth among Big Ten skaters. His 437 faceoff wins rank second in the Big Ten and seventh in the country.
The left-handed shot tallied a goal in his NCAA debut on Oct. 11 against Lindenwood and got hot in December and January when he posted a nine-game point streak that spanned Dec. 13 through Jan. 24 and included five goals and 12 points.
Morrissey joins Penn State's Charlie Cerrato and Michigan's Michael Hage as finalists for the honor.
The 12th Badger freshman with at least 30 points in a season since the 1999-2000 campaign, he belongs to a group that includes Dany Heatley (1999–2000), Joe Pavelski (2004–05), Kyle Turris (2008–09), Derek Stepan (2008–09), Craig Smith (2009–10), Mark Zengerle (2010–11), Nic Kerdiles (2012–13), Luke Kunin (2015–16), Trent Frederic (2016–17), Cole Caufield (2019–20) and Cruz Lucius (2022–23). Nine of the prior 11 have played in the NHL so far.
Morrissey, who at one time led the nation's freshman in scoring, finished his first UW campaign with nine goals, 23 assists and 32 points in 37 games played. Strong in the faceoff circle as well, the Rochester Hills, Michigan, native won 437 of 759 draws for a 57.6 percent success rate to rank sixth among Big Ten skaters. His 437 faceoff wins rank second in the Big Ten and seventh in the country.
The left-handed shot tallied a goal in his NCAA debut on Oct. 11 against Lindenwood and got hot in December and January when he posted a nine-game point streak that spanned Dec. 13 through Jan. 24 and included five goals and 12 points.
He's been a top-5 scoring freshman nationally all year and one of 12 Badger frosh since 1999-00 to reach 30 points in a season.
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) February 26, 2025
Coach Hastings on @gavmorrissey7 - "blossomed before our eyes... he's had a special season." pic.twitter.com/ngGZdsyzap
Morrissey joins Penn State's Charlie Cerrato and Michigan's Michael Hage as finalists for the honor.
The 12th Badger freshman with at least 30 points in a season since the 1999-2000 campaign, he belongs to a group that includes Dany Heatley (1999–2000), Joe Pavelski (2004–05), Kyle Turris (2008–09), Derek Stepan (2008–09), Craig Smith (2009–10), Mark Zengerle (2010–11), Nic Kerdiles (2012–13), Luke Kunin (2015–16), Trent Frederic (2016–17), Cole Caufield (2019–20) and Cruz Lucius (2022–23). Nine of the prior 11 have played in the NHL so far.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Hockey
F
/ Men's HockeyHighlights || Penn State
Thursday, March 05
Highlights || #2 Michigan
Friday, February 20
Mike Hastings Weekly Media Conference || Wisconsin Men's Hockey || Feb. 17, 2026
Tuesday, February 17
Highlights || Ohio State || Feb. 13
Friday, February 13
