Wisconsin men’s hockey coach, Mike Eaves, lost both of his assistant coaches following the Badgers runner-up NCAA finish.  Kevin Patrick left for the United States Hockey League and Mark Osiecki left to take the head coaching job at Ohio State.

Eaves filled those vacancies by announcing a pair of hirings over the weekend. 

Eaves landed two assistants with NHL playing experience.  He hired former Badger Gary Shuchuk who spent parts of five seasons in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and the Los Angeles Kings.  He collected 85 goals and 176 points in 177 career games for the Badgers from 1986 to 1990.

Eaves also hired Bill Butters, who comes to Wisconsin with a record of developing collegiate defensemen from 10 years as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota.  He’ll handle defensive duties for the Badgers as well. 

Butters spent a brief period of time with the Minnesota North Stars.