The University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers have unveiled a trio of coaching hires that could reshape the program’s direction heading into the next season. Head coach Mike Hastings will now lead a staff enriched with fresh expertise and proven winners.
Andy Brandt, a former NCAA champion who previously served as head coach of the USHL’s Madison Capitals and coached at St. Norbert College, returns to Madison as an assistant coach. His championship pedigree and deep ties to the state make his comeback a natural fit for the Badgers.
Steve Briere brings a decade of NHL goaltending experience, most recently with the Seattle Kraken, to the role of development coach. His background also includes stints at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Omaha and Topeka, where he honed the skills of numerous net‑minders.
Joe Pavelski, a two‑time Olympian and member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, joins as Director of Player Development. A Wisconsin native, Pavelski was the leading scorer on the Badgers’ 2006 NCAA championship team and enjoyed an 18‑year NHL career defined by durability and clutch performances.
A legacy of excellence meets new ambition
The new coaching trio will work alongside associate head coach Todd Knott and assistant Nick Peruzzi, creating a blend of continuity and innovation. University officials say the appointments underscore a commitment to recruiting talent that can compete at the highest level while leveraging the program’s rich history to attract future stars.