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Wausau Today
By the People, for the People
Badgers rally past Michigan State in overtime, punch ticket to Frozen Four
Wisconsin advances to national semifinals for first time in 16 years
Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:18pm
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The University of Wisconsin men's hockey team rallied from a two-goal deficit in the third period to beat top-seeded Michigan State 4-3 in overtime on Saturday, punching their ticket to the Frozen Four national semifinals in Las Vegas. Senior captain Ben Dexheimer scored the game-winning goal just 24 seconds into overtime to send Wisconsin to its first Frozen Four appearance since 2010.
Why it matters
Wisconsin's comeback victory over the higher-seeded Michigan State Spartans represents a major milestone for the Badgers hockey program, which has struggled to reach the national semifinals in recent years. The Frozen Four berth is the first for Wisconsin in 16 years, and the team will now have a chance to compete for the national championship.
The details
Wisconsin fell behind 3-1 early in the third period, but a late surge saw the Badgers score twice in the final five minutes to force overtime. Luke Osburn and Gavin Morrissey netted the tying goals for Wisconsin, before Dexheimer's overtime winner. Goaltender Daniel Hauser made 24 saves in the victory.
- Wisconsin scored the opening goal just 18 seconds into the second period.
- Michigan State scored a power-play goal to tie the game in the second period.
- Michigan State took the lead 31 seconds after their first goal in the second period.
- Michigan State extended their lead to 3-1 with another power-play goal early in the third period.
- Wisconsin scored twice in the final five minutes of regulation to tie the game and force overtime.
The players
Ben Dexheimer
The senior captain for the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team, who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to send the Badgers to the Frozen Four.
Luke Osburn
A Wisconsin player who scored a goal in the third period to pull the Badgers within one goal of Michigan State.
Gavin Morrissey
A Wisconsin player who scored the game-tying goal in the final minutes of regulation to force overtime.
Daniel Hauser
The Wisconsin goaltender who made 24 saves in the regional final victory over Michigan State.
Gavin O'Connell
A Michigan State player who scored a power-play goal to tie the game in the second period.
What they’re saying
“We never gave up, even when we were down by two. The guys showed a lot of heart to come back and win this one in overtime.”
— Ben Dexheimer, Wisconsin Senior Captain
“It's an unbelievable feeling to be heading to the Frozen Four. This team has worked so hard to get to this point, and we're not done yet.”
— Daniel Hauser, Wisconsin Goaltender
What’s next
Wisconsin will face North Dakota in the national semifinals on April 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The winner will advance to the national championship game on April 11.
The takeaway
Wisconsin's dramatic comeback victory over Michigan State showcases the resilience and determination of the Badgers hockey team. After struggling to reach the Frozen Four in recent years, this run to the national semifinals represents a major milestone for the program and a chance to compete for the national championship.
