As another season of hockey nears its end, it is hard for fans to remain focused on the year at hand and not look toward next season and all of its promise. UW's Crease Creatures are no different. As a less-than-ideal season seems to slowly slip further and further into mediocrity, many fans are already looking forward in hopes of finding a team poised for another national championship run.
The key to next season's success will undoubtedly ride on the shoulders of the man in front of the Badgers' net. While many at UW will be sad to see current senior goaltender Brian Elliott make his way north of the border to join the Ottawa Senators of the NHL, these same fans will be just as thrilled to watch his replacement, sophomore Shane Connelly.
Fans have already seen Connelly play in many different situations, with mixed results. Last year as a freshman, Connelly found himself thrown in front of the net while Elliott
was out with a left leg injury, and needless to say, it was a rocky start.
Connelly started eight straight games from Jan. 20 to Feb. 17 and nine games total, and the Badgers won only three of the nine games with Connelly in front of the net. However, Connelly did show promise during UW's 4-2 win against Ohio State at Lambeau Field.
Although last season was one of adjustment and confusion for Connelly, he is the first to say that the early experience was the best thing for him.
""[Playing last year] made me grow up a lot faster and just accelerated the whole process of everything,"" Connelly said. ""I got thrown into some big games, and the games now aren't as big of games but it just helped me mature a lot faster and now allows me to go in there and do a good job.""
A good job may be somewhat of an understatement for Connelly, who this season has accumulated a record of 3-0-1 and has been a spark off the Badger bench in the latter half of a weekend series. All three of Connelly's wins this season have come in the second game of a weekend series, including the Badger Hockey Showdown. All three wins have also been after a Badger loss and have given Connelly the opportunity to salvage a tie when the pressure has really been on Wisconsin.
All of his recent success has given Connelly the confidence he lacked as a freshman and has allowed him to play at a high level when he has been called upon.
""I think [confidence] is a big key. You always want to play well, anytime you play well it gives you more momentum and confidence,"" Connelly said. ""I've just been gaining that all year with practice. That's where it starts, and then with the games it just transfers over. It helps with my confidence a lot when I get in there and get to play and play well.""
It also helps having a goalie like Brian Elliott in front of you. Although Elliott has not played at the same level as last year, when he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist, he still is one of the top goalies in the country and has been extremely helpful to Connelly as he has developed at UW.
""I get to watch him everyday and learn from him and pick up on the little tidbits,"" Connelly said. ""I have learned a ton just from how hard he works and how detailed he is. He has helped me out a ton.""
Wisconsin will try once again Sto right the ship this weekend with a home series against Alaska Anchorage, who has only won one of its last eight games. While this season may have already fallen to the wayside, the idea of a fresh start next season will always bring a smile to any fans face.
If the Badgers can improve even half as much as Connelly has in his two years, they should have no problem regaining their previous championship form.
Connelly is optimistic not only for himself, but for next season as well.
""I'm more patient, can handle a lot more adversity,"" Connelly said. ""I don't get all crazy when one thing goes wrong. But for the most part patience is the main thing and confidence. Everything has improved, I am a better goalie now compared to last year and things will continue to get better.""
