The Wisconsin men’s hockey team received a big vote of confidence today, when freshman forward Nic Kerdiles announced he would be staying with the program despite facing a 10-game suspension.
“My goal is not to turn this situation into any kind of adversity that my team would have to overcome,” Kerdiles said. “Therefore, I’m choosing to move forward, put all my energy and focus into being the best student athlete I can be.”
Originally penalized with a year-long punishment, an NCAA Committee reduced the suspension to 30 percent of the season.
This means Kerdiles will miss the first 10 games of the season, which includes the two Wisconsin has already played against Northern Michigan, and will be eligible to return to the team on Nov. 30, when the Badgers play at Denver.
“I truly believe that I am meant to be here and meant to continue pursuing my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL,” Kerdiles said. “I’m so glad to be able to call myself a Badger and to continue doing so.”
When asked if he had thought about leaving UW for another league, Kerdiles said there was never a doubt he wanted to stay.
“This campus is amazing; the facilities unbelieveable,” Kerdiles said. “Great coaching staff, great teammates. It was really an easy decision for my family and I.”
Kerdiles expressed gratitude for his teammates, coaches and family members for their continued support.
“I’ve leaned a lot through this,” Kerdiles said. “My family and I, we believed the whole time we were following the rules and still truly believe we did.”
When asked what the young California native could contribute to the lineup upon his return, Eaves only had one answer: “A lot of goals.”
The team is heading to Minnesota this weekend for a two-night match with Minnesota-Duluth.
The Badgers are looking to get into the win column after dropping their first two games of the season.
Mike Eaves made it clear that Minnesota-Duluth is a tough, grind-it-down type of team, but his players are eager to get on the road and work hard.
