As another hockey season approaches its finale, it is natural to reflect on the past year with all of the hindsight and confidence that comes with it.
While the 2006-'07 Wisconsin men's hockey team has not lived up to the expectations in the preseason, they still have done a fairly good job considering what they have had to work with.
With that being said, here are the team awards for this season, and a few predictions full of hope and anticipation for next year's team.
MVP (Offensive): Jake Dowell
Senior forward Jake Dowell has been a force for UW in his senior season. He is tied for the team lead with 21 points and leads the team with 15 goals. On a team that lost its top five scorers from last year's championship squad, Dowell's veteran leadership and high level of play have been invaluable to the young Badgers this season.
MVP (Defensive): Jeff Likens
Senior defenseman Jeff Likens has been one of the Badgers' top defenseman this season as the young defensive team has tried to overcome the graduation of Tom Gilbert. The Barrington, Ill., native tops the team with a plus-10 on the season, a stellar mark for any skater.
Best freshmen: Michael Davies and Jamie McBain
Forward Michael Davies and defensenan Jamie McBain have had a lot of playing time this season, and both show a lot of promise for the future. Davies ranks third on the team with 17 points and McBain is close behind in fifth place with 14 points. Both freshmen have played huge roles on the powerplay this season, and will surely be the forefront of Badger hockey for years to come.
Most Improved Player: Shane Connelly
The sophomore goalie from Cheltenham, Pa., has shown great improvement this season after a sub-par freshman year. After going 3-6 as a starter while Brian Elliott was out with an injury, Connelly has come back strong this season, posting a 3-0-1 record while allowing less than one goal per game. Connelly should fill in nicely next year as the full-time starter once Elliott moves on to the NHL.
Best Play: 2nd period brawl against Minnesota State
During the Jan. 27 game against Minnesota State, one of the craziest brawls broke out with under a minute left in the second period. A total of six players—three Badgers and three Mavericks—were sent to the penalty box with at least 12 minutes worth of penalty minutes.
Best series: Sweep at North Dakota
With the team reeling after losing six of their last seven games, the sweep at North Dakota has proven crucial to the momentum that UW has created during the second half of the season. If not for that sweep, the Badgers could have easily fallen to the bottom of the WCHA instead of pushing for a home playoff series.
Coach's award: Badger seniors
The Badgers would not be where they are today without these seven men, who have all played a vital part in holding such a young team together, especially senior forward Andrew Joudrey. He is the captain of this year's team and one of five finalists for this year's Humanitarian award. The senior from Bedford, Nova Scotia, will be missed along with the other six seniors.
Who to look for next year: Jack Skille
Sophomore forward Jack Skille probably won this category last season as a freshman, but an elbow injury slowed Skille's progress this season. However, the sophomore has returned to top-form and showcased some sick goals as of late. Skille recorded his first Badger hat-trick this year, and it is obvious he will be counted on next year as one, if not the, top goal scorer.
Predictions:
While many people are upset at Wisconsin for not being able to hold their championship form as was predicted, the team has played well as of late and can make some noise in the playoffs if they can continue their current pace. The team will only lose three of their top four scorers, so a repeat of this year's squad should not happen.
With so many freshmen getting time on the ice this year, the Badgers should have no problem being near the top of the WCHA standings next year, and another appearance in the Frozen Four is not out of the question.
