Wisconsin hockey has returned to relevancy with a quick turnaround under new head coach Mike Hastings. The Badgers have gotten off to a hot start at 9-1-0, defeating the No. 1 team in Minnesota and starting their descent in the rankings. Wisconsin hockey is up to No. 3 this week in the USCHO after knocking off Michigan twice this past week.
Up to No. 3 🧗♂️#75thSeason || #NextChapter pic.twitter.com/VZy5IasfOp
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) November 6, 2023
Game Notes for Wisconsin Hockey
The Badgers ran their record up to 9-1-0, their best start since going 10-1-0 in the 1999-2000 season. After defeating Michigan twice, it was their sixth straight win against a ranked team and their fourth against teams in the top 5 of the rankings.
They’re being led by stellar play from senior goaltender Kyle McClellan. He’s leading the Big Ten, allowing 1.79 goals per game, and that’s also 8th in the nation. The next closest in the Big Ten is Ryan Bischel of Notre Dame at 2.23 goals per game. He’s only given up 18 goals on the season, which is a huge accomplishment given that he leads the nation in minutes played. Without his play, it may look a little different for Wisconsin hockey.

The Ice Around Badgers Hockey
There was a bit of a shuffle this week as teams settle into the season, and it becomes less of a fluke with their performances. Boston College remains at No. 1 this week, with Denver sitting at No. 2. Wisconsin hockey jumped from No. 5 to No. 3, knocking Michigan out of the top 5 and all the way down to No. 8 with their two wins. North Dakota and Providence come in at No. 4 and 5, respectively.
Providence broke into the top 5 after ranking No. 7 with their shootout and their win against New Hampshire, who moved from No. 15 to No. 14 in the rankings.
Maine was the most improved, jumping 7 spots from No. 20 to No. 13. Their two wins against now-unranked Merrimack College sealed the deal for Maine to jump while other teams fell this week. They face a big test when they play No. 1 Boston College at home this week.
Ohio State was the biggest loser this week, falling from No. 13 to No. 19. They lost both their games to Michigan State, giving up 12 goals along the way, helping Michigan State move up one slot to No. 11.
This week’s https://t.co/2QgdyNoa0Z Division I Men’s Poll is here! pic.twitter.com/tdXNgszjAj
— USCHO.com (@USCHO) November 6, 2023