Wisconsin men’s hockey opened the 2026-27 season with wins against the Robert Morris Colonials in the Badgers’ home opener. The two-game series saw contrasting matchups with Friday’s game being more high scoring, while Saturday saw a tighter game marked by more physicality and several penalties.
Badgers end opening night at the Kohl Center victorious
Sophomore Goaltender Alexis Cournoyer suited up in Badger red for his first game at Wisconsin. With a new face in the net, the Badgers took to the ice to start off the season on Friday.
Junior Captain Gavin Morrissey took the opening face-off flanked by forwards Ryan Botterill and JJ Wiebusch, and defensemen Luke Osburn and Jack Phelan.
After a slow start to the first period, Wisconsin opened scoring with just under three minutes left. Osburn scored the first goal of the season after an off the draw pass from forward Vasily Zelenov.
Robert Morris was then assessed a two minute minor for cross checking towards the end of the first period, but the Badgers were unable to capitalize.
About eight minutes into the second period, Badger forward Bruno Idžan snuck the puck under Colonial goaltender Charlie Schenkel’s pad, giving Wisconsin a 2-0 lead.
The Badgers later capitalized on the man advantage after Colonial Luke van Why was assessed a two minute minor. Defenseman Dylan Compton scored the third goal for Wisconsin, his first as a Badger, when his shot deflected off a Robert Morris defensemen and found its way in the back of the net.
Wisconsin took a 3-0 lead into the third period, which was soon cut down to a two goal lead when Colonial defensemen Dominic Elliot scored on a Robert Morris power play.
Midway through the third period freshman Forward Brent Solomon was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for head contact on Colonial forward Jackson Reineke.
The Badgers penalty kill unit held firm, clearing pucks out of their defensive zone. On a pass by freshman Chase Jette, sophomore Forward Finn Brink scored a short handed goal towards the end of the penalty kill.
With two seconds left on the clock, the Colonials scored their second goal of the game, ending the night in a 4-2 win for the Badgers.
Zelenov had a stellar three point night with assists on the first three goals for Wisconsin. Cournoyer held a .889 save percentage in his first start as a Badger.
Badgers shut out Robert Morris
Head coach Mike Hastings switched up the man between the pipes after game one and had sophomore Daniel Hauser in net for Wisconsin on Saturday. With 18 saves, Hauser secured a shutout for his first game of the year — a reflection to last season against Lindenwood.
After both Wisconsin and Robert Morris were assessed two minute minors a little over half way into the first period, both teams played four-on-four. Colonials received another minor over a minute into the four-on-four play, giving Wisconsin a four-on-three man advantage for 39 seconds. The Badgers were able to get some good looks, but were unable to capitalize.
Both teams entered the second period scoreless.
Forward Grady Deering netted the first and only goal of the game on the power play off a pass by Defenseman Logan Hensler.
Towards the end of the second period, Morrissey’s shot hit the post and Schenkel sprawled on the ice to cover the puck. Morrissey hit the rebound which found its way into Schenkel’s skate by the post, barely remaining out of the net.
With several penalties giving Wisconsin multiple power plays in the second period, the Badgers were able to maintain consistent offensive pressure and kept the Colonials to only one shot the entire period.
Wisconsin held a one-goal lead through the third period. Hauser made big saves on Robert Morris, including on a two-on-one breakaway that could’ve meant trouble for the Badgers.
Schenkel remained strong in the net for Robert Morris, making 41 saves before he was pulled with a minute and a half left in the game for an extra skater. The Badgers defensive unit, along with Hauser, were effective in shutting down Robert Morris’ attempt to equalize, leading to a 1-0 win for Wisconsin.
While the sweep gives Wisconsin a strong start to the season, the Badgers will look to improve their power play execution after being unable to capitalize on several opportunities.
Wisconsin will head to Mankato, Minnesota to take on Minnesota State in their first road game of the season on Oct. 9-10.
