Wisconsin Punches Ticket to Frozen Four Final, First Since 2010
Wisconsin just did something that feels impossible in college hockey: they beat North Dakota in the NCAA tournament. After going 0-3 against the Fighting Hawks in tournament play, the Badgers finally got over the hump Thursday night in Las Vegas, taking down North Dakota 2-1 to punch their ticket to the Frozen Four championship game for the first time since 2010.
Let that sink in. Wisconsin hasn't been to a Frozen Four final in 16 years. They've won six national titles total, but the most recent one came two decades ago. This run matters.
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Wisconsin (24-12-2) came out and absolutely dominated the first period, firing 18 shots on goal to North Dakota's four. That's not a coincidence. The Badgers' forecheck was relentless, and it showed on the scoreboard fast.
Simon Tassy and Ryan Botterill scored just 27 seconds apart early in the period, giving Wisconsin a 2-0 lead before North Dakota could even catch their breath. The third seed in their region had come to play, and they made it known immediately.
North Dakota (29-10-1) did battle back. Ellis Rickwood scored on a 6-on-5 late in the game, pulling the Hawks within one. But it wasn't enough. Wisconsin's defense bottled up a North Dakota offense that came in third nationally in scoring at 3.8 goals per game. That's the kind of defensive statement you need in March.
Hauser Stays Sharp When It Matters
Goalie Daniel Hauser stopped 21 shots for the Badgers, including a crucial glove save with 2:05 left on a 6-on-5 scramble. "I was lucky enough to get a glove on it," Hauser said after the game. That's the kind of moment that wins tournaments.
Wisconsin defenseman Ben Dexheimer nailed it after the win: "At this time of year, you should be playing your best hockey. We've been slowly ramping up, and it's pretty close to one of our best games."
The Badgers knocked off a No. 1 seed for the second straight time to get here. Now they wait for the Michigan-Denver winner. Saturday night in Las Vegas, Wisconsin gets their shot at a championship they haven't won since 2006. That's the moment this group has been chasing all season.
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