Detroit, 1990. The Wisconsin Badgers had just squeaked by Boston College in the national semifinals, 2-1. They faced off against Colgate in the title game in Detroit, as they looked to pick up their fifth national championship. Even before the puck was dropped, defenseman Mark Osiecki says the Badgers had a big advantage in the stands.
“It was tremendous. I mean, it was 15,000 (fans) for Wisconsin. It was awesome,” he says. That fan support translated into the Badgers’ positive attitude on the ice.
“Heading into the final game, guys were very loose, confident,” he says. “I think that really gave us a leg up.”
The Badgers blitzed the Red Raiders, jumping out to a 4-1 lead after one period. They ended up getting a hat trick from John Byce in a 7-3 victory.
The team finished with a record of 36-9-1, racking up the second-most wins in school history. Despite all the wins, Oseicki says he takes something else away from that season.
“Teammates, being in the locker room and being around the team,” he says. “To this day, we’re still extremely close. No one can take that away from us.”
Shining Moments in Badger History are sponsored by Marshfield Clinic.
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