Nobody expected the Wisconsin Badger men's hockey team to be much of a factor in the Midwest Hockey Regional in Madison this past weekend. In fact, many thought the Badgers didn't belong in the field, entering with a below .500 record.
The Badgers used that as motivation and almost found their way into the NCAA Frozen Four in two weeks in Denver. The Badgers beat Denver in the Midwest Regional semifinals 6-2 on Saturday at the Kohl Center, then took a 2-0 lead into the third period against favored North Dakota, before the Fighting Sioux turned it around with two, third-period goals and one in overtime, forging a 3-2 overtime victory.
The Badgers (16-17-7) got goals from defenseman Jamie McBain and Cody Goloubef.
Junior goaltender Shane Connelly finished with 28 saves. The Badgers outshot North Dakota 41-28 and outplayed the Sioux, which makes the loss sting even more according to coach Mike Eaves (pictured).
Andrew Kozek scored the game winner for North Dakota in overtime.
** The 2008 NCAA Division 1 Men's Hockey Midwest Regional All Tournament tam includes two Badgers, forward Michael Davies and defenseman Jamie McBain. — North Dakota goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
Listen / Download – Mike Eaves says his players must use this as motivation for next year. :22
Listen / Download – Davis Drewiske said with 2-0 lead, he thought they'd hang on. :17