Hockey

Cole Caufield Wins Lady Byng Trophy, First Badger to Earn NHL’s Sportsmanship Award

The Wisconsin native’s blend of skill and decorum outshone veterans Anze Kopitar and Jake Sanderson, earning the league’s historic honor.

Cole Caufield, the Wisconsin Badgers’ all‑time leading scorer, has been awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, becoming the first former Badger to capture the NHL’s tribute to sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

Established in the 1924‑25 season, the Lady Byng Trophy has long recognized players who blend elite skill with decorum, a standard that Caufield has consistently met throughout his professional ascent.

The award’s selection process, which involves a vote among general managers, placed Caufield ahead of veteran forwards Anze Kopitar and Jake Sanderson, underscoring both his on‑ice conduct and his growing influence in the league.

A Milestone for Wisconsin Hockey

Caufield’s achievement adds his name to a storied list of alumni honorees, a group that includes recipients of the Rookie of the Year, Best Defenseman and Best Goaltender awards, reflecting the program’s enduring impact on the sport.

The Badgers’ community celebrated the news, with university officials highlighting the forward’s role as a model student‑athlete and expressing optimism that his sportsmanship will inspire future generations of Badgers on and off the ice.

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