They’re back.
Back to Detroit, the site of their 1977 and 1990 national titles. Back to the Frozen Four, for the first time since 2006. And after two weeks off, back to playing hockey.
The Wisconsin men’s hockey team takes on the Rochester Institute of Technology for a berth in the national title game today at 4 p.m. central time. It’s David vs. Goliath – RIT has only been a Division I school for five years and as the 15th overall seed in the tournament, upset Denver and New Hampshire to get here. Wisconsin on the other hand, owns six national titles and is one of college hockey’s powerhouses.
The Badgers were expected to be here; the Tigers are hoping they’ve got some more magic in the tank so they can keep on playing come Saturday.
But the Tigers are no slouch, ranked second in the nation in scoring margin, just ahead of the Badgers. RIT has solid goaltending and defensemen that put up lots of points. It might be a surprise that the Tigers made it this far, but this berth in the national semifinal isn’t just luck.
Hobey Hat Trick finalist Blake Geoffion hopes to lead the Badgers into the opportunity for a seventh national title, but RIT won’t go quietly into the night. Follow Herald Sports Content Editor Adam Holt as he covers the action live from Ford Field in Detroit.