The University of Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey program revealed its 2025‑26 team awards on Monday, capping a season that saw the squad come within a whisker of the national championship.
Nine distinct honors were distributed, but only a single player managed to repeat as a winner, underscoring the breadth of talent across the roster.
MVP and the unsung hero
Ben Dexheimer was crowned the team's Most Valuable Player, a testament to his dominant presence between the pipes and his leadership throughout the campaign.
Aiden Dubinsky earned the Suter Family Unsung Hero award, a nod to the quiet consistency that often goes unnoticed but proves vital in high‑stakes games.
Other notable recognitions
Jack Phelan took home the Jeff Sauer Award, which celebrates excellence in coaching and player development, while Weston Knox received the Otto Breitenbach/Curtis Joseph Most Improved award, highlighting his rapid ascent.
The competitive spirit award was shared by Jack Horbach and Adam Pietila, who were jointly honored with the Fenton Kelsey, Jr./Mike Richter Most Competitive accolade for their relentless drive on the ice.
Gavin Morrissey added a double‑dip, capturing both the Ivan B. Williamson Scholastic Award and the Dr. Joseph Coyne/Joe Pavelski Most Consistent honor, reflecting his academic rigor and steady performance.
Grady Deering was presented with the WHA‑TV Jim Santulli 7th Man Award, a tribute to the player who steps up when the team needs it most, while Luke Osburn was named the Mark Johnson Rookie of the Year, signaling a bright future for the freshman.
The awards not only celebrated individual achievement but also reinforced the program’s culture of excellence, resilience, and community involvement as the Badgers look ahead to next season’s ambitions.