On Thursday evening, Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh announced the hiring of Minnesota State head coach Mike Hastings as the new head coach of the Badgers’ men’s hockey team.
In Wisconsin athletics’ statement, McIntosh highlighted Hastings’ history of success including finishing with a winning record in all 25 of his seasons as a head coach. Hastings has spent the last 14 seasons with Minnesota State and has led them to three straight NCAA Tournaments and back-to-back Frozen Four appearances in 2021 and 2022. He also took the Mavericks to the NCAA title game in 2022.
Wisconsin fired previous head coach Tony Granato earlier this month following struggles during his tenure with only two winning seasons in his seven years with the Badgers. It is definitely disappointing to see the former Badger leave the program, but it is exciting to see McIntosh working to restore the tradition of success to Wisconsin men’s hockey with this hiring.
“Badger hockey has a lot going for it – great alums, fans, facilities, tradition, a terrific campus and city. I can't wait to get to Madison and start working with our team on building a winning culture on and off the ice."https://t.co/MRlnCMaAds
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) March 31, 2023
