With the Wisconsin men's hockey season just around the corner, the Big Ten Conference announced its coaches picks for preseason All-Big Ten, as well as how the bench bosses see the season playing out.
The Badgers, who tied for fifth but earned the sixth seed last season, were picked to finish fourth this season. Minnesota was chosen to repeat as regular-season champion.
Sophomore defenseman Corson Ceulemans and junior forward Mathieu De St. Phalle, who shared the team scoring lead last season, were picked as honorable mention members of the preseason All-Big Ten squad.
The Badgers' enter 2022-23 with proven goaltending in senior Jared Moe, who posted a .917 save percentage and 2.97 goals-against average a year ago.
The defense appears in good hands as well, with Ceulemans leading the charge offensively, junior Anthony Kehrer and sophomore Daniel Laatsch locking things down, Mike Vorlicky returning after an injury-filled season and the addition of a pair of talented rookies in Seattle Kraken pick Tyson Jugnauth and Ben Dexheimer.
UW looks to field and improved offense with the addition of the offensive-minded freshman rear guards. It also adds potential first-round pick Charlie Stramel (pronounced STRAY-muhl), as well as Carolina pick Cruz Lucius and junior transfer Ty Smilanic, a Montreal prospect, who will all inject a burst of offensive talent into the lineup.
Wisconsin hits the ice on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. at the Kohl Center against Lakehead for an exhibition contest. The Badgers open the regular season at No. 16 Ohio State on Oct. 7 and 8.
The Badgers' regular-season home opener takes place Oct. 14 against No. 13 St. Cloud State. The Badgers are listed in the receiving votes category in the USCHO.com preseason poll.