MADISON, Wis. – When the Badger men's hockey team opens its season on Oct. 3 at Lindenwood, 10 new faces will be on the bench.

Among the newcomers is freshman defenseman Luke Osburn, who is the reigning USHL Defenseman of the Year. The Plymouth, Michigan, native joins the Badgers after playing for the Youngstown Phantoms in 2024-25, where he tallied 10 goals and 41 points in 55 games played for the Phantoms. He led all defensemen on the team in goals, assists and points and ranked sixth on the roster and fourth among league defensemen in points.

During his impressive season with the Phantoms, Osburn was awarded First-Team All-USHL Honors, and he set a new franchise record for most career goals by a defenseman with 18 scored over two years in the league. The freshman is also a 2024 fourth-round NHL draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres. 

Osburn is a smart and skillful two-way defenseman whose talent will make an impact from the second he steps out on the blue line.

What drew you to attend Wisconsin? What does being a Badger mean to you?
When I visited, the coaching staff here, the culture here and all the people in Madison in general were amazing. I really liked the schooling here, and overall, I just had a really great experience. To be a Badger is to be someone who's very hardworking. There's a great network here, and I'm excited to meet new people.

How have your teammates and the UW staff supported your transition to college hockey?
I would say every guy on the team has been very welcoming. If I ever had any questions or anything, I could go to them. I think the coaching staff has really challenged us and helps us bring it every single day. 

Briefly describe your hockey career.
I started playing in Plymouth for Compuware. I played there throughout my whole AAA career and then I went and played juniors for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. I played there for two years and then I came here. 

What is it like getting to play with former Youngstown teammates, now-sophomore forwards Ryan Botterill and Adam Pietila, again, this time as Badgers?
They were unbelievable people there, and just to have some people to know, people to text about stuff going in, really helped me. They've been unbelievable.

You are the reigning USHL Defenseman of the Year – what was it like to receive that honor? What defensive skills do you bring to this team?
I think it was a great honor. I played with a ton of great players, a ton of great coaches. I definitely owe it to those guys. As far as defensive skills, I try to use my skating the best that I can and try to use my smarts throughout the ice. I would say that I'm a two-way defenseman. I like to beat guys with my feet and join the rush while also defending hard. 

What has your experience as a Buffalo Sabres draft pick been like? Have you developed a special bond with freshman forward Vasily Zelenov, the other Sabres draft pick on the Badgers?
It was unbelievable. It feels great to make your parents proud. Seeing them there, and them happy, meant the world to me. It was a great experience. During my first camp in Buffalo, Zelenov and I didn't really talk much. But, as I've gotten to know him this summer, he's an amazing human being and obviously a great hockey player. We were roommates at camp this summer, so it was a ton of fun. I think all the freshmen in general are really close and Vasily is an awesome human being.

If you had to describe yourself using only three words, what would they be?
I would say passionate, competitive and I try to be kind. Passion, just because, as far as hockey-wise goes, I really love playing. It's something I really enjoy doing and it's obviously a huge thing in my life, so I think I have a ton of passion for the sport. Competitiveness, just in general, whether I'm playing golf or pickleball or whatever, I like to compete. Finally, I would say I try to be kind and respectful on a daily basis. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I like to listen to the same playlist. I listen to a lot of J-Cole and Kanye West. When I get to the rink, I also like to go for a short run a couple of hours before a game.

What do you enjoy doing when you're away from the rink?
I enjoy playing golf, playing pickleball and hanging out with friends and family. There are very good golfers on this team, so I don't know if I'd consider myself one of the best, but I really do enjoy playing golf. I'd say Tyson Dyck is probably the best golfer on the team.

If you had to switch lives with a celebrity for a day, who would it be?
This is kind of a broad answer, but a Formula 1 racer. I watched the F1 movie recently, and I think if I could switch with them, it'd be really cool. The movie was great!