Tag: Mike Hastings

Wisconsin men’s hockey team captain signs with minor league team in Idaho

Wisconsin men’s hockey team captain signs with minor league team in Idaho

Former Wisconsin men’s hockey team captain Mike Vorlicky signed with the Idaho Steelheads on Thursday.

Based in Boise, Idaho, the Steelheads have been a member of the East Coast Hockey League’s Western Conference since 2016-17. The league includes professional minor hockey squads in the United States and Canada and serves as a farm system to the American Hockey League and National Hockey League.

Most specifically, the Steelheads are a direct affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars.

Vorlicky joins the Idahoan squad on a five-year contract after playing five seasons with the Badgers from 2019-24. Most recently, the defenseman appeared in 37 games as the platoon’s team captain in his graduate season.

In total, Vorlicky skated in 124 bouts for UW under former head coach Tony Granato and current leader Mike Hastings. He scored four goals and pocketed 17 assists for 21 points during his five-year tenure in Madison.

The righty took 84 total shots as a Badger and registered 12 of his 21 points during his final seasons as a representative of UW. He also helped guide UW to the conference’s regular season title during the 2020-21 season.

Given the Steelheads’ ties to professional opportunities, Vorlicky could end up playing himself into a major league role down the line. The team captain title at one of the nation’s premier hockey programs never hurts.

Wisconsin hockey to compete in outdoor event at Wrigley Field

Wisconsin hockey to compete in outdoor event at Chicago’s Wrigley Field

Wisconsin’s men’s and women’s hockey programs will participate in ‘The Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series,’ an outdoor event at Chicago’s Wrigley Field this January, per Thursday’s release.

The two-day event features several Big Ten teams, including Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan. Mark Johnson’s women’s platoon will square off against the Buckeyes while Wisconsin’s men’s team will play the Spartans on Saturday, Jan. 4.

The contests are slated for 4:30 and 8 p.m. with the game order still awaiting a final scheduling.

This marks the first outdoor match for UW’s women’s group in 14 years while the men will showcase their skills for viewers outside for the first time since 2013.

The Badger men enter the 2024-25 campaign fresh off an impressive 26-12-2 overall record in 2023-24. The group secured multiple top-5 victories over both Minnesota and Michigan early in the season, Mike Hastings’ first year as head coach.

UW’s women, who amassed an incredible 35-6-0 mark in 2023-24, cruised to the NCAA Frozen Four title game against Ohio State. The Badgers ultimately dropped the contest 1-0. Nonetheless, Johnson’s cadre will aim to ride its momentum into this winter.

Tickets for January’s doubleheader will become available for public purchase on Friday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. CT through Wrigley Field. For more details, visit UWBadgers.com.

Wisconsin men’s hockey releases 2024-25 non-conference schedule

Wisconsin men’s hockey releases 2024-25 non-conference schedule

Wisconsin’s men’s hockey program released its 2024-25 non-conference schedule on Wednesday.

Following an exhibition match in Nebraska against the Omaha Mavericks on Oct. 5, the Badgers will welcome the Lindenwood Lions to the Kohl Center for their 2024-25 home opener.

Wisconsin will play two games against Lindenwood on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 before matching up with the defending NCAA champion Denver Pioneers on Oct. 25-26. This will mark the first non-conference road series for Mike Hastings’ squad this coming season.

About a month later, UW will return home to host Alaska Anchorage on Nov. 29-30, preceding their participation at the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off in Milwaukee on the final weekend of December.

There, the Badgers will face Ferris State on Dec. 28 before playing either UConn or Alaska in a championship scenario or third-place game on Dec. 29. Those matches are schedule to be played just down the road at Fiserv Forum.

Finally, UW will complete its non-conference schedule against Brookfield, New York’s LIU Sharks at the Kohl Center on Jan. 17-18.

For reference, Wisconsin went a combined 2-1-1 against this field in 2023-24.

The Badgers will look to build off a strong 26-12-2 showing and clinch their second consecutive postseason berth under second-year head coach Mike Hastings.

Former Wisconsin men’s hockey defenseman transfers to Alaska

Former Wisconsin men’s hockey defenseman transfers to Alaska

Former Wisconsin men’s hockey defenseman Luke LaMaster will transfer to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, according to BadgerExtra’s Todd Milewski.

LaMaster will join Alaska for his fifth season of collegiate eligibility. He and the Nanooks will play against the Badgers during the Holiday Face-Off in late December.

The Duluth, Minnesota native represented Wisconsin from 2020-24 before graduating this spring. He played in 65 games as a defenseman from 2020-23 and registered a career-best 21 shots during his 2022-23 junior season.

LaMaster is the sixth Badger to transfer elsewhere since the end of the 2023-24 season, joining Sam Stange, William Whitelaw, Charlie Stramel, Cruz Lucius and Brady Cleveland.

Notwithstanding the departures, the Badgers have added four new transfers, including former Northern Michigan recruit Adam Pietila and Rochester Institute of Technology alumni Cody Laskosky.

Fresh off its 26-win output in 2023-24, Wisconsin will look to build off its momentum in their second year under Hastings. Last year’s Badgers’ squad saw its most success since 2009-10 and earned a berth to the 2023-24 NCAA Tournament.

Former Wisconsin men’s hockey captain inks deal in American Hockey League

Former Wisconsin men’s hockey team captain inks deal in American Hockey League

Former Wisconsin men’s hockey defensemen Peter Tischke signed with the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans on Wednesday.

Tischke’s signing arrives a few days after Wisconsin recruit Luke Osburn was selected by the Sabres with the No. 108 pick of the 2024 NHL Draft. Fellow UW recruit and left-wing Blake Montgomery was picked shortly afterwards by the Ottawa Senators.

During his four seasons in Madison, Tischke appeared in 135 games, scored eight goals and tallied 26 assists. The Hinsdale, Illinois native was named team captain for his senior campaign and pocketed the 2019 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.

The defenseman also earned back-to-back All-Big Ten Honorable Mention nods during his sophomore and junior seasons after pacing his group with 139 combined blocks from 2017-19.

As a member of the AHL, the Americans are the an owned and operated affiliate of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. The Americans are the fourth oldest team in the AHL and play their home games at Rochestor’s Blue Cross Arena.

Several former Wisconsin men’s hockey players to participate in NHL development camps

Several former Wisconsin men’s hockey players to participate in NHL development camps

Over 20 current, future and former Wisconsin men’s hockey players will take part in several NHL development camps this summer.

Three undrafted current members of UW’s roster, along with seven drafted players or recruits will participate in the showcase events. Additionally, twelve Wisconsin alumni will represent the Badgers during drills both on and off the ice with multiple NHL franchises.

Minnesota, Detroit and Pittsburgh each welcome a pair of former Badgers to their camps: Kyle McClellan and Charlie Stramel will represent the Minnesota Wild, Sam Strange and Brady Cleveland will don Detroit Red Wings threads and Mathieu De St. Phalle and Cruz Lucius will sport Pittsburgh Penguins jerseys.

Current Wisconsin players Ben Dexheimer and Joe Palodichuk will skate for the Nashville Predators while Simon Tassy will participate for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Seven other recruits, including Tyson Duck and Blake Montgomery, will showcase their skills as current draftees and recruits.

Designed to provide fans a glimpse at top prospects and incoming professional talent, these development camps serve as an entertaining bridge between the conclusion of the NHL’s postseason and the beginning of its offseason.

After winning 26 games in 2023-24, Wisconsin will look to build off its output under second-year leader Mike Hastings. Last year’s Badgers’ win total was the program’s highest since 2009-10 and helped UW clinch an NCAA Tournament berth.

Wisconsin men’s hockey to open 2024-25 season with exhibition at Omaha

Wisconsin men’s hockey to open season with exhibition at Omaha

Wisconsin men’s hockey program will open its 2024-25 season with an exhibition match in Nebraska against the Omaha Mavericks on Oct. 5.

That same night, Omaha will name its rink after Mike Kemp, who served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for 14 seasons at UW.

Fresh off their 26-victory season in 2023-24, Wisconsin will look to build off their momentum in their second year of the Mike Hastings era. Last year’s Badgers’ win total was the program’s highest since 2009-10 and propelled Hastings’ group to an NCAA Tournament berth.

Wisconsin ignited its 2023-24 season with four signature wins against No. 1 Minnesota and No. 4 Michigan. Those vaulted them into college hockey’s upper echelon, but UW would ultimately fall to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament and Quinnipiac in the NCAA Tournament.

The Badgers added former Northern Michigan signee Adam Pietila and former Rochester Institute of Technology forward Cody Laskosky via the transfer portal thus far this offseason. With years of combined postseason experience, the two will serve as pivotal veteran skaters for a team hungry to return to the NCAA’s top-five.

Wisconsin men’s hockey adds talented transfer forward

Wisconsin men’s hockey adds talented transfer forward

Wisconsin’s men’s hockey program added former Northern Michigan signee Adam Pietila on Saturday, he announced on X.

Pietila becomes the second transfer target to become a Badger, joining former Rochester Institute of Technology forward Cody Laskosky, who committed to UW in early May.

The Howell, Michigan native represented the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League this past season and netted 24 goals and 24 assists in 61 regular season appearances. Pietila also added three goals in his seven playoff contests with the Phantoms.

Prior to his stint in the USHL, the 6-footer played two seasons with the North American Hockey League’s Bismarck Bobcats. In his 111 regular season contests from 2021-23, he had 42 goals and 40 assists for 82 points.

Alongside Laskosky, Pietila’s addition is huge for Mike Hasting’s program. His experience on multiple squads and recent playoff success could bode well for a squad looking to return to the NCAA’s top-five.

Wisconsin men’s hockey adds talented transfer forward

Wisconsin men’s hockey adds talented transfer forward

Wisconsin’s men’s hockey program added former Rochester Institute of Technology forward Cody Laskosky on Wednesday, according to the program’s X account

Entering his fifth year of collegiate eligibility, Laskosky entered the transfer portal on April 25. The Camrose, Alberta native will join UW’s program with recent playoff experience.

Laskosky appeared in 124 contests during his four-year tenure at RIT. His stellar senior season included 14 goals and 27 assists for 41 total points in 37 contests. It earned him an Atlantic Hockey First-Team All-Conference selection.

In four seasons with the Tigers, Laskosky recorded a total of 32 goals and 52 assists for 84 points. He was a pivotal piece in RIT’s American Hockey Championship run this past season.

Following his junior year, Laskosky was named Atlantic Hockey Best Defensive Forward. Prior to NCAA action, he excelled for several teams during his junior hockey stint in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

Laskosky’s addition is huge for Mike Hasting’s program. His veteran presence and experience in pivotal moments will certainly bode well for a platoon looking to make a splash in the postseason.

Wisconsin approves contract extension for men’s basketball head coach Greg Gard

Wisconsin approves contract extension for men’s basketball head coach Greg Gard

The University of Wisconsin Athletic Board approved a contract extension for men’s basketball head coach Greg Gard on Friday.

The extension is a procedural move and was done for all of the organization’s winter coaches. It extends Gard’s contract through May 31, 2029. He remains one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport.

Related: An updated look at Wisconsin basketball’s 2024-25 roster after Chucky Hepburn’s departure

Gard will enter his 10th season manning the sidelines for the Badgers during the 2024-2025 campaign. Since taking over for Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Bo Ryan, Gard has led Wisconsin to six NCAA Tournament appearances and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2022.

Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh previously expressed a vote of confidence in Gard after the conclusion of the team’s 2023-24 season.

The Cobb, Wisconsin native boasts the third-highest winning percentage (.635) in program history, trailing only the aforementioned Ryan (.737) and Walter Meanwell (.712).

The Badgers has experienced a seismic shift in personnel over the past few weeks. Chucky Hepburn, AJ Storr, Tyler Wahl and Conor Essegian are among eight Badgers to depart Madison via graduation or the transfer portal.

Gard is firmly in place to guide the program through a turbulent offseason.

Alongside Gard, the UW Athletic Board approved the extensions of five other winter head coaches — Marisa Moseley (women’s basketball), Yuri Suguiyama (swimming and diving), Mike Hastings (men’s hockey), Mark Johnson (women’s hockey) and Chris Bono (wrestling).

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