No. 2 Wisconsin Hockey Looks to Defend Title at Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off
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The No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers return to the ice after a break for finals and the holidays, poised to defend their championship at the fifth annual Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off. The tournament, taking place at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Sunday and Monday, December 28-29, will see the Badgers face off against Lake Superior State at 4 p.m. CT on Sunday, with a potential matchup against either No. 7 Western Michigan or No. 12 Boston College on Monday at 7:30 p.m. CT.
A History of Success at the Holiday Face-Off
Wisconsin enters the tournament with a dominant track record at the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off, having captured the inaugural trophy in 2021 with a shutout victory over Providence. They followed that up with titles in 2023, securing a pair of 3-0 wins over Air Force and Northeastern, and last year, posting an 8-0 win over Ferris State in the semifinals and a 4-3 victory over UConn in the final. This impressive run gives them three championships in the event’s four-year history.
Offensive Powerhouse
The Badgers are entering the tournament as one of the nation’s most potent offensive teams, currently ranking second in the country with an average of 4.44 goals per game. This offensive firepower is fueled by a strong power play, boasting a 29.7% success rate – fifth nationally – and 19 total power-play goals, tied for seventh in the nation. Senior forward Christian Fitzgerald leads the charge with seven power-play goals, placing him among the nation’s top scorers in that category. This offensive prowess has translated to success in the Big Ten, where Wisconsin currently sits in first place with 22 points and an 8-2-0 conference record, alongside a 12-2-2 overall record.
International Representation
Despite their strong position, the Badgers will be without three key players during the tournament. Defensemen Luke Osburn and Logan Hensler are representing Team USA at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, running from December 26, 2025, through January 5, 2026, in Minnesota. This marks the 10th consecutive year with at least one Badger competing at the World Juniors and the 39th-straight event with Badger representation dating back to 1988. Junior forward Quinn Finley will also be absent, competing with the United States Collegiate Selects Team at the 2025 Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland.
Recent Dominance
Before the holiday break, Wisconsin showcased its dominance with a sweep of Notre Dame on December 5-6. The Badgers secured a 7-4 victory on Friday, fueled by a four-goal second period, and followed it up with a commanding 9-2 win on Saturday. The team’s overall record stands at 12-2-2, with a 7-1-0 record on the road.
Scouting the Competition
Wisconsin will first face Lake Superior State, which holds a 6-11-1 record. Sophomore forward William Ahlrik leads the Lakers with 16 points, while freshman Calem Mangone has eight goals. The potential opponents in the championship game present a tougher challenge. No. 7 Western Michigan, the defending NCAA champions, boasts a 10-6-0 record, led by junior forward William Whitelaw with 15 points. No. 12 Boston College has a 10-5-1 record, with sophomore forward James Hagens leading the team with 18 points.
The Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off is hosted by The Gazelle Group, a sports marketing firm specializing in event production and management.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the Badgers’ game against Lake Superior State on Sunday, December 28, at 4 p.m. CT, streaming on B1G+. The championship game on Monday, December 29, at 7:30 p.m. CT will also be available on B1G+. Audio coverage can be found on 1310 WIBA, the Badgers app, and the Varsity Network app. Updates will also be posted on X/Twitter and Instagram at @BadgerMHockey.
https://twitter.com/BadgerMHockey/status/1738464899998199399
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