Gardiner, Schultz Named All-Americans

Thirty-Five former Wisconsin men's hockey players carry the honor of being named an All-American during their time in Madison. Friday it was announced that Justin Schultz (First Team) and Jake Gardiner (Second Team) would become the 36th and 37th members of that group as they were named to the American Hockey Coaches Association West All-American team.

Schultz, a sophomore defenseman led all blueliners in scoring this season with 47 points in 41 games for the Badgers. The West Kelowna, British Columbia natives 18 goals this season were the most for a blueliner since the 2002-2003 season. Schultz, who has already announced his intentions to return to the Badgers for another season becomes the 26th First Team All-American for UW. He's the 12th defenseman in Wisconsin history to be named to the First Team.

Gardiner, a junior defenseman had another strong season for the Badgers. His 41 points in 41 games this season was second to only teammate and defensive partner Justin Schultz among all blueliners. The Minnetonka, Minnesota native was once again one of the Badgers best in his own end. Gardiner was second on the club, and led all Badger blueliners in plus/minus with a +22 rating this season and +50 for his career. Gardiner recently signed a contract with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, forgoing his final season of eligibility at Wisconsin.

AHCA First Team West All-America

F-Matt Frattin-North Dakota
F-Jack Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
F-Andy Miele-Miami
D-Justin Schultz-Wisconsin
D-Chay Genoway-North Dakota
G-Pat Nagle-Ferris State

AHCA Second Team West All-America

F-Mike Connolly-Minnesota Duluth
F-Carl Hagelin-Michigan
F-Carter Camper-Miami
D-Jake Gardiner-Wisconsin
D-Zach Redmond-Ferris State
G-Aaron Dell-North Dakota

University of Wisconsin All-Americans (First team unless noted)
John Jagger-1970
Jeff Rotsch-1972
Brian Engblom-1975
Craig Norwich-1976, 1977
Julian Baretta-1977
Mike Eaves-1977, 1978
Mark Johnson-1978, 1979
Theren Welsch-1980
Roy Schultz-1980
Bruce Driver-1982
John Newberry-1982
Patrick Flatley-1983
Tony Granato-1985 (2nd), 1987 (2nd)
Tim Thomas-1985 (2nd)
Paul Ranheim-1988
Paul Stanton-1988
Dean Anderson-1988 (2nd)
Steve Tuttle-1988 (2nd)
Curtis Joseph-1989 (2nd)
Gary Shuchuk-1990
Sean Hill-1991 (2nd)
Duane Derksen-1992 (2nd)
Barry Richter-1993
Brian Rafalski-1995
Kirk Daubenspeck-1997 (2nd)
Jeff Dessner-2000
Steve Reinprecht-2000
Dany Heatley-2000 (2nd), 2001
Bernd Bruckler-2004
Brian Elliott-2006
Joe Pavelski-2006 (2nd)
Tom Gilbert-2006 (2nd)
Jamie McBain-2009
Brendan Smith-2010
Blake Geoffrion-2010
Jake Gardiner-2011 (2nd)
Justin Schultz-2011

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List of All-Americans Grows

Wisconsin has a long history of All-American players and that list just got two members longer.

On the same day that Blake Geoffrion was named the winner of the 2010 Hobey Baker, he was also named 1st Team All-American along w/ teammate Brendan Smith. Both were obvious choices, and joined three Denver players in an almost clean WCHA sweep of the West 1st Team.

Brendan Smith followed in the footsteps of his former PP unit teammate Jamie McBain who was a 1st Teamer last season. I think there is a good chance someone in the Cardinal and White continues that tradition next season. Jake Gardiner, Justin Schultz, who wants to step up?

Captain Asskicker becomes the first Badger forward since Olympian Joe Pavelski was a 2nd Teamer in 2006.

Congrats to both Blake and Brendan on the much deserved recognition and bring home #7 tonight!!!

GO RED!!!!!

60's Third-Annual Countdown

Just a heads-up that, once again, I'll be counting down the days until the puck drops to start the Men's Hockey Season. The theme this year is 32 All-Americans, so we'll be starting the countdown today with 32 days until the puck drops at Kelley Rink. Each day I'll profile one of the Badgers' 32 All-Americans, and I hope you'll all share your memories/stories/etc. So please participate in my Countdown Thread over on Buckyville! What fun!

DROP THE PUCK!