Big Ten Rivalry: Wisconsin Opens Kohl Center Play Against Minnesota State; Both Teams Ranked No. 17 and No. 20/19

Wisconsin Hockey Welcomes Minnesota State in Highly Anticipated Home Opener

MADISON, Wis. – The No. 17 Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey team is set to host the No. 20/19 Minnesota State Mavericks for a two-game series at the Kohl Center on Thursday adn Friday, October 16 and 17. Both contests are scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM CT and will be broadcast live on B1G+. This marks the beginning of Wisconsin’s six-game homestand.

A Web of Connections: Familiar Faces on Both Sides

The upcoming series is steeped in familiarity, with a notable number of players and staff members having prior ties to both programs. Wisconsin Head Coach Mike Hastings previously led the Mavericks for eleven seasons, from 2012 to 2023, before assuming his current role.Several of his coaching staff, including Associate Head Coach Todd Knott, Strength Coach Tom Inkrott, and Director of Hockey Operations/Video Coordinator Luke Regner, followed him to Madison.

The connections extend to the players as well. Senior forwards Christian Fitzgerald and Simon Tassy transferred to Wisconsin alongside Coach Hastings, while sophomore goaltender Eli Pulver joined the Badgers prior to the 2025-26 season. Minnesota state also boasts personnel with Wisconsin connections; their Head Coach Luke Strand and Associate Head Coach Troy Ward both previously served in similar roles for the Badgers.

Badgers Return to the Kohl Center

This series represents the official return of Wisconsin hockey to the Kohl Center after a hiatus as February 22. Last season, the Badgers boasted impressive attendance numbers, leading the Big Ten and ranking second nationally with an average of 10,461 fans per game. The home opener will be themed “Bucky’s Pucktoberfest,” featuring related festivities and a Wisconsin suspenders giveaway for the first 1,000 students.

Did You Know? College hockey attendance has steadily increased over the past decade, with many programs experiencing record-breaking numbers in recent seasons. (Source: NCAA.org)

Fitzgerald Leads the Way for wisconsin

Senior forward Christian Fitzgerald is currently leading the Badgers in offensive production. He has tallied four goals, five points, and a remarkable 50.0 shot percentage through the team’s initial games.His impressive performance earned him a Big Ten Third Star of the Week nomination following his four-goal weekend at Lindenwood.

Recent Performances and Scouting the Mavericks

Wisconsin enters the series following a prosperous exhibition win against the U.S. Under-18 Team,securing a 6-0 shutout on October 9. The Mavericks, meanwhile, have a 1-1-0 record, having split their opening series against Omaha. Minnesota State is led by a quartet of skaters tied for the team lead in points, and senior goaltender Alex Tracy.

This marks the first encounter between Wisconsin and Minnesota State at the Kohl Center in over a decade, injecting an added layer of anticipation into the matchup. Coach Hastings emphasized the importance of non-conference games in building a successful season and establishing a strong identity for the team.

Key Matchup Stats

Team	Record	Head Coach
Wisconsin	[Record to be updated]	mike Hastings
Minnesota state	1-1-0	Luke Strand

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on special teams – power plays and penalty kills – as they often play a crucial role in close hockey games.

The Growing Popularity of College Hockey

College hockey continues to gain popularity nationwide, attracting a growing fan base and providing a pathway for aspiring professional players. The NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament consistently draws significant viewership, and the collegiate game is known for its exciting, fast-paced action and the advancement of future NHL stars.

frequently asked Questions

1. What channel will the Wisconsin vs. Minnesota State hockey games be on? Both games will stream live on B1G+.
2. Where is the Wisconsin vs. minnesota State hockey game being played? The games will be played at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
3. who is the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers hockey team? Mike Hastings is the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers.
4. What is the current record of Minnesota state’s hockey team? Minnesota State currently holds a 1-1-0 record.
5. Are there any special events planned for the Wisconsin home opener? Yes, Thursday’s game is themed “Bucky’s Pucktoberfest” and will feature related activities and a giveaway.
6. How can I listen to the Wisconsin Hockey games? Audio play-by-play can be found on 1310 WIBA as well as on the Badgers app and The Varsity Network app.
7. What is the history between the two programs? There are many connections between the two programs including coaching staff and players.

Will the Badgers capitalize on their home-ice advantage and strong offensive play? Or will the Mavericks prove to be a formidable opponent? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!

What statistical advantage does Wisconsin hope to gain by playing at the Kohl Center?

The Matchup: Badgers vs. Mavericks

The University of Wisconsin Badgers hockey team kicks off its home schedule at the kohl Center this week wiht a highly anticipated clash against the Minnesota State Mavericks. Both teams enter the series ranked in the top 20 – Wisconsin at No. 17 and Minnesota State at No. 20/19 – setting the stage for a compelling Big Ten rivalry game. this early-season contest carries importent weight as both programs vie for positioning within the competitive conference and national rankings. Expect a physical, fast-paced game showcasing top collegiate talent.

Team Breakdown: Wisconsin badgers

Wisconsin, under head coach Mike Hastings, is looking to build on a strong start to the season. Key players to watch include:

* Forward, Brock Caufield: A consistent offensive threat and a leader on the ice.

* Defenseman, Ben Baumgartner: Known for his strong defensive play and ability to contribute offensively.

* Goaltender, Kyle McClellan: Expected to be a key factor in Wisconsin’s success, providing solid netminding.

The Badgers’ strength lies in their offensive depth and disciplined defensive structure. Their power play unit has shown promise in early games, and their penalty kill will be crucial against a potent Minnesota State attack. Wisconsin hockey fans are eager to see how the team performs on home ice after a accomplished road trip. Analyzing Wisconsin’s game stats reveals a focus on puck possession and creating scoring opportunities through sustained offensive zone time.

Team Breakdown: Minnesota State Mavericks

The Minnesota State mavericks,consistently a force in the CCHA and now the Big Ten,bring a tough,grinding style of play to Madison. Key players for the Mavericks include:

* Forward,Nathan Lévesque: A dynamic playmaker and scoring leader.

* Defenseman, Jake Livingstone: A towering presence on the blue line with a powerful shot.

* Goaltender, Keenan Rancier: A reliable goaltender capable of stealing games.

Minnesota State excels at forechecking and creating turnovers,capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. Their defensive system is well-structured,making them arduous to break down.The Mavericks’ success often hinges on their ability to control the neutral zone and limit opponents’ transition opportunities. Recent Minnesota State hockey news highlights their strong team chemistry and commitment to a physical brand of hockey.

Historical Rivalry & Recent Results

The Wisconsin-Minnesota State rivalry has been a consistently competitive one, dating back to their WCHA days. Historically, the series has been closely contested, with both teams trading wins over the years.

* Last Season’s Series: Minnesota State took two of three games against Wisconsin last season, including a decisive victory in the NCAA Tournament.

* All-time Record: Wisconsin holds a slight edge in the all-time series, but recent matchups have been incredibly tight.

* Kohl Center Advantage: Wisconsin boasts a strong home record at the Kohl Center, and the energy of the Badger faithful will undoubtedly be a factor in this weekend’s games.

Understanding the historical context of this Big Ten hockey rivalry is crucial for appreciating the intensity and significance of each matchup.

Key Storylines to Watch

Several key storylines will shape the outcome of this series:

1. Goaltending Duel: The performance of McClellan (Wisconsin) and Rancier (Minnesota State) will be paramount. A hot goaltender can swing the momentum of a game in an instant.
2. Special Teams Battle: Both teams have capable power play and penalty kill units. Winning the special teams battle could be the difference between victory and defeat.
3. Physicality & Discipline: The Mavericks are known for their physical play. wisconsin will need to match their intensity while avoiding costly penalties.
4. Home Ice Advantage: the Kohl Center crowd is known for its passionate support of the Badgers.Wisconsin will look to leverage that energy to gain an edge.

Broadcast Details & Game Times

* Game 1: Friday, October 18th, 7:00 PM CT (BTN+)

* Game 2: Saturday, October 19th, 6:00 PM CT (BTN+)

Fans can also follow live stats and updates on the Wisconsin Badgers Athletics website (https://www.uwbadgers.com/) and the Minnesota State Mavericks Athletics website (https://msumaveriks.com/).radio broadcasts will also be available on the Badger radio Network.

Big ten Hockey Landscape

This Wisconsin vs. Minnesota State series is just one of many exciting matchups in the evolving Big Ten hockey conference. With the addition of several strong programs from the CCHA,the conference is poised to become a national powerhouse