The University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team (19-10-2, 12-9 Big Ten) took on the University of Michigan (25-6-1, 15-5-1 Big Ten) Friday night at the Kohl Center, opening their two-game series with a dominant victory.
Wisconsin senior Jack Horbach made an immediate impact, logging a steal while subbing into the game. The Badgers remained calm and controlled on the back end. The Badgers left a wide open cross to the middle of the goal at 5:18 with nobody to finish.
Michigan freshman goalie Jack Ivankovic was a strong presence in the net, not letting any Wisconsin shots behind him. Wisconsin had several runs with continuous shots on goal but could not get the puck in the back of the net.
Michigan senior T.J. Hughes scored what appeared to be the first goal of the game, but Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings successfully challenged the play, which was called back for offsides.
Soon after, sophomore Will Horcoff scored for Michigan from the right side off an assist from sophomore Michael Hage and sophomore Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen.
Penalties became an issue for Wisconsin, leading Michigan to take the 1-0 lead through the end of the first period. Wisconsin recorded 12 shots to Michigan’s six in the period.
Early in the second period, it was apparent it would be a high scoring period with the Badgers establishing early momentum. The hustle was eminent with penalties on each team in the first three minutes.
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Wisconsin, which was focused on getting shots on goal, eventually broke through on a goal by junior Quinn Finley, assisted by senior Aiden Dubinsky and freshman Grady Deering, eight minutes into the second period.
Less than two minutes later, Wisconsin freshman Vasily Zelenov scored from in front of the goal, assisted by sophomore Ryan Botterill.
Goalies from both teams put on a noteworthy effort with back-to-back, one-on-one saves by Wisconsin’s Eli Pulver and Michigan’s Ivankovic.
Sophomore Adam Pietila quickly tallied another goal with three minutes left in the period. Wisconsin carried its momentum through the period, establishing a 3-1 lead.
Michigan, desperate for a goal, pulled Ivankovic out of the net and added an extra skater with two minutes to go in the game. Wisconsin’s Horbach took advantage of the empty net and scored an unassisted goal with 1:31 to play.
Wisconsin held Michigan scoreless for the second and third periods, scoring multiple unanswered goals. The Badgers’ quick and accurate puck movement led to the 4-1 victory.
After the Badgers take on Michigan again Saturday, they will travel to Penn State Thursday, March 5.
