Wisconsin Hockey Adds Top Transfers from Penn State, Cornell

Badgers sign star forwards JJ Wiebusch and Alexis Cournoyer for 2026-27 season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:01am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, red, and white, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The addition of star transfers JJ Wiebusch and Alexis Cournoyer injects new energy and talent into the Wisconsin hockey program.Madison Today

The University of Wisconsin hockey team has made a major splash in the offseason transfer portal, signing two of the top forwards in college hockey - JJ Wiebusch from Penn State and Alexis Cournoyer from Cornell. The additions of these two elite talents are expected to bolster the Badgers' offense as they look to build on their run to the NCAA championship game this past season.

Why it matters

Wisconsin hockey has long been a powerhouse program, but has struggled to reach the pinnacle of college hockey in recent years. The signings of Wiebusch and Cournoyer represent a major coup for the Badgers and could be the missing pieces they need to capture their first national title since 2006.

The details

Wiebusch, a junior forward, led Penn State in scoring last season with 21 goals and 30 assists. The 6-foot-2 center is known for his two-way game and playmaking ability. Cournoyer, a senior winger, was a first-team All-American at Cornell after posting 18 goals and 25 assists. The 5-foot-11 Quebec native is an explosive scorer with excellent speed and skill.

  • The transfer portal opened on April 15, 2026.
  • Wisconsin announced the signings of Wiebusch and Cournoyer on April 18, 2026.

The players

JJ Wiebusch

A junior forward who led Penn State in scoring last season with 21 goals and 30 assists.

Alexis Cournoyer

A senior winger who was a first-team All-American at Cornell after posting 18 goals and 25 assists.

Joe Palodichuk

A Wisconsin hockey alternate captain who reflected on the team's season following their loss in the NCAA title game.

Gavin Morrissey

A Wisconsin hockey alternate captain who reflected on the team's season following their loss in the NCAA title game.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to add two elite talents like JJ and Alexis to our roster. They're going to make an immediate impact and help us take the next step as a program.”

— Tony Granato, Wisconsin Hockey Head Coach

What’s next

Wisconsin will look to integrate Wiebusch and Cournoyer into the lineup as they prepare for the 2026-27 season and their quest for a national championship.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's ability to land two of the top transfers in college hockey underscores the program's continued status as an elite destination for top talent. With Wiebusch and Cournoyer joining a strong core of returning players, the Badgers will be a force to be reckoned with next season.