Wisconsin's Quinn Finley Leads Badgers to Frozen Four

Sophomore forward's timely goals and improved play propel team to national semifinals

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:48am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the puck represented through sharp, overlapping shapes in a palette of blues, greens, and whites, capturing the dynamic movement and energy of the sport.Finley's timely goals and improved play have been crucial to Wisconsin's Frozen Four run.Madison Today

Quinn Finley, a sophomore forward for the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team, has played a pivotal role in the Badgers' run to the Frozen Four national semifinals. After attending Badgers games as a fan growing up, Finley has blossomed into a key contributor, scoring timely goals and improving his overall game to help Wisconsin reach the prestigious national tournament.

Why it matters

The Badgers' Frozen Four appearance marks a significant achievement for the storied hockey program, which has produced numerous NHL stars over the years. Finley's emergence as a go-to player has been crucial, as the team looks to capture its first national championship since 2006.

The details

Finley, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, attended Badgers games as a child and dreamed of one day playing for the team. After joining the program, the sophomore forward has steadily improved his game, becoming a reliable scorer and two-way player. In the team's run to the Frozen Four, Finley has netted several crucial goals, including game-winners, to propel Wisconsin to the national semifinals.

  • Finley attended Badgers games as a child growing up in Madison.
  • Finley joined the Wisconsin hockey team as a freshman in 2024.
  • In the 2025-26 season, Finley has emerged as a key contributor, helping the Badgers reach the Frozen Four.

The players

Quinn Finley

A sophomore forward for the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team, Finley has played a pivotal role in the Badgers' run to the Frozen Four national semifinals.

Cole Caufield

A former star player for the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team, Caufield won the Hobey Baker Award during his time with the program.

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What they’re saying

“I came to the game with a couple buddies and I just fell in love with the place right away.”

— Quinn Finley, Wisconsin Badgers forward

What’s next

The Badgers will face off against the University of Minnesota in the Frozen Four national semifinals on April 11, 2026, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Quinn Finley's journey from Badgers fan to key contributor has been integral to Wisconsin's success this season. His timely goals and improved all-around play have helped the team reach the prestigious Frozen Four tournament, where they will look to capture the program's first national title in 20 years.