Head Coach Mike Hastings Shares Optimism and Goals for Wisconsin Badgers Men's Hockey 2023-2024 Season

Wisconsin Badgers Men's Hockey 2023-2024: A Season of High Hopes and Hard Work

Wisconsin director Chris McIntosh (left) and men's hockey coach Mike Hastings' pose for a picture after Hastings' receives a Badgers jersey during his introductory press conference Monday April 3, 2023 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. Mike Hastings Into Press Conference 1 April 3 2023 :: © Mark Stewart / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Coach Mike Hastings Sets the Stage for a Promising Year

It's almost hockey season! Saturday, October 7 at 7 p.m., the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team is gearing up for the 2023-2024 season. The Badgers will play their opening game against the Augustana Vikings at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin, followed by a rematch on Sunday, October 8, at 5 p.m.

As the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team gears up for their 2023-2024 season, all eyes are on the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. With two games against the Augustana Vikings slated for Saturday, October 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 8 at 5 p.m., excitement is already in the air.

Yesterday, Head Coach Mike Hastings spoke to the press about the upcoming season.

The Foundation for Success

Hastings discussed the future of the team, stressing the importance of continuous progress and he expressed a positive outlook on the state of the hockey program. "The cupboards aren't bare here," he told reporters. "There's good hockey players in this program. And so we're excited about trying to connect what our expectations, what their expectations are so that we can move. And then progress our team on a daily basis."

Hastings aims to instill a strong work ethic into his players, noting that daily effort is the cornerstone of any successful team. "We're working together. But yeah, I like what ... I see so far. I see a group of young men that want to get better. They're willing to do the work. We're just trying to break down some barriers on how hard you have to work to be successful every day and trying to develop those habits," he explained.

Oct 7, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Wisconsin Badgers goalie Jared Moe (35) stops a shot from Ohio State Buckeyes forward Joe Dunlap (21) during the NCAA men's hockey game at the Schottenstein Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch Ncaa Hockey Wisconsin Vs Ohio State :: © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Campus Buzz: Energy in Badgerland

But the excitement isn't confined to the ice.

While Coach Hastings' primary focus is the men's hockey team, he also acknowledged the energy that is surging throughout all UW's sports programs.

"It's an exciting time here and I don't care if you're in the hockey program, the volleyball program, basketball starting up. What Luke's doing with the football program," Hastings said. "There's a tremendous amount of energy on this campus and in this community about what it is to be a part of Badgerland. And now that piece, whether I'm talking to my wife, my son who's out in Boston, friends, family, that's exciting."

Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead

As the season inches closer, one thing is certain: under Hastings' leadership, the team is committed to elevating their game. With a ton of promising talent and a focus on daily improvement, the 2023-2024 season holds great promise for the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team. The first game against the Augustana Vikings will set the tone for the season and, if Hastings' optimism is any indication, we're in for an exciting season ahead. 

Watch the full media conference below:

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