The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is set to enter the 2026‑27 men’s ice hockey season with a refreshed coaching architecture that promises to elevate its national profile. The Badgers are poised for a pivotal campaign as they welcome three high‑profile additions to their bench.
A Strategic Reinforcement
Andy Brandt, a former USHL head coach and NCAA Division III champion, returns to Madison after guiding the Madison Capitols to a 104‑win stretch and a .599 win percentage. His blend of junior‑level savvy and collegiate success positions him to mentor the next generation of Badger forwards.
Steve Briere, who spent a decade shaping net‑minders for NHL powerhouses such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle Kraken, now oversees goaltending development for Wisconsin. His extensive experience at the NCAA, USHL and NAHL levels equips him to refine the program’s defensive backbone.
Joe Pavelski, a U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and former All‑American at Wisconsin, joins as Director of Player Development. The veteran forward brings a record‑setting NHL career, highlighted by 74 playoff goals — the most ever by an American — and an Olympic gold medal earned in 2018.
Together with longtime leaders Mike Hastings, Todd Knott and Nick Peruzzi, this trio forms what many analysts describe as one of the most competitive staffs in college hockey. Their combined NHL pedigree, international experience and proven developmental track records signal a deliberate push to sharpen player growth and competitive edge.
Brandt’s recent stint coaching the U.S. Junior Select Team at the 2025 World Junior A Challenge in Trois‑Rivières, Quebec, underscores his ability to scout talent on the global stage. Briere’s coaching résumé includes stints at the University of Alabama‑Huntsville and the Omaha Lancers, where he honed strategies that translated into stronger defensive metrics. Pavelski’s legacy as the leading scorer on Wisconsin’s 2006 championship squad and his NHL playoff records add a layer of winning culture that the program hopes to emulate.
The additions are not merely symbolic; they are intended to deepen recruiting pipelines, innovate goaltending tactics and reinforce a player‑first philosophy that aligns with the Badgers’ tradition of excellence. As the roster prepares for the upcoming season, the new staff’s blend of experience and fresh perspective could prove decisive in the hunt for a conference title.