There are 13 of them, more than any other season in University of Wisconsin men’s hockey history. They are Wisconsin natives, guys who grew up in places like Antigo, Eau Claire, Hudson, La Crosse, Madison, Menomonie, Plover, Rice Lake, Sun Prairie and Wausau.
They are guys whose grew up following the Badgers, dreaming of the day they would pull on the Cardinal and White sweater and skate in front of their families and friends.
They are guys whose greatest desire is to give the Badgers their sixth NCAA championship, a task that begins tonight when they face Maine in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals at the Bradley Center.