As the Kohl Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary this month, the memories of past arenas in Wisconsin hockey become more distant. Prior to the opening, Wisconsin hockey called the Dane County Coliseum (now known as the Alliant Energy Center) its home. The Kohl Center opened January 1998, and on Oct. 3 of that year, Wisconsin hockey was finally ready for its first Kohl Center matchup. Unfortunately, the Badgers suffered a 2-1 loss to Notre Dame. Although life at the Kohl Center began with a loss, the future held many memorable wins for Wisconsin.
Former Wisconsin head coach Jeff Sauer had tremendous success in both buildings during his 20 years leading the Badgers, guiding Wisconsin to five postseason tournament championships and two national titles. A particular series in December 2000 stands out as one of Sauer’s most precious Kohl Center memories.
“We had a series against North Dakota where defenseman David Hukalo had two game-winning overtime goals over North Dakota,” Sauer said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever heard the Kohl Center louder in a basketball or hockey game. The same guy scoring overtime goals two nights in a row for the win is a pretty unique happening. We’ve probably had some unique moments in the building but that one really stands out.”
Tim Rothering was a defenseman at Wisconsin from 1995 to 1999. He credits the greatness of the Kohl Center to the power of its fans.
“The advantage is the fans entirely,” Rothering said. “There aren’t a better group of fans in the country for college hockey. The biggest advantage is having more people in the building and you’re able to do that with the Kohl Center. The facilities are also beautiful, but the main advantage is the fans.”
Wisconsin hockey has already enjoyed tremendous success in its nine-plus years at the Kohl Center, and Sauer believes the building has already earned a special spot as an important site for college hockey around the country.
“The Kohl Center is a great building, a tremendous building and the students who have been able to come to the games have really made the atmosphere something that is envied in college hockey,” Sauer said. “I’ve been in a lot of buildings, but this one really has so much significance to Wisconsin hockey and college hockey as a whole.”
